Innovation Future Specialist
Amazing Innovations: Space: 2016
The "final frontier" of space presents many opportunities for our species [and AI] to explore and grow. The last century saw us make a few brief visits to the Moon, but this time we aim to colonise the Moon and Mars, and probably increase our presence in Earth orbit too.
Here are some of the amazing innovations that took place in 2016, or did they? See how many you get right in this true or false quiz...
Impossible rocket engine
An "impossible" achievement seems to have taken place. The EM drive uses microwaves trapped in a container to produce a thrust. The aim is to use this as a new type of rocket engine. However, because there is no ejected momentum going in the opposite direction this appears to violate a fundamental law of physics: Newton’s law that states for every force [or thrust] there is an equal and opposite reaction. This seemed impossible but NASA, and China, have both shown that the device seems to work in the laboratory [although the force per kilowatt is relatively small]. Now China is testing this out on a satellite in space.
True? False?It is understandable that you do not believe it. If it really works then it is as surprising as discovering something that travels faster than the speed of light - do you remember that false neutrino measurement a while back?
This might be true... If it really works then it is as surprising as discovering something that travels faster than the speed of light - do you remember that faulty neutrino measurement a while back?
Hypersonic travel
A hypersonic jet / rocket engine has been designed that could be used to take off like a plane and then enter orbit around the Earth. The testing plan has been announced.
True? False?Hypersonic planes could get you from London to Sydney in about two hours!
Hypersonic planes could get you from London to Sydney in about two hours!
Robots in space
A robotic repair satellite has been developed.
True? False?Expect many more robots in space, and on the Moon and Mars.
Expect many more robots in space, and on the Moon and Mars.
To boldy go to the next star
Plans have been announced to send a chip sized probe to our nearest extrasolar star. It would be accelerated by lasers to very high speeds and get there in 20 years.
True? False?It is an idea of Hawking and co., but more detailed planning is required.
It is an idea of Hawking and co., but more detailed planning is required.
3D printing, in space!?
3D printing in space has been announced, with plans to print large scale structures and metal structures.
True? False?[Tip: Printing solar panels in space could solve our energy and climate change challenges.]
[Tip: Printing solar panels in space could solve our energy and climate change challenges.]
Space race: Take two!
The space race is back on. Multiple countries and companies are now seriously planning space exploration. SpaceX demonstrated the ability to return a rocket by landing it vertically; and then did it with three rockets at the same time! It supplies the ISS but has plans to go further: to Mars; as does China, NASA, Russia, and others. SpaceX aims to send preparatory craft to Mars every two years; then it will send people to colonise the planet - perhaps 100 people at a time! NASA was doing its own thing with rockets for Mars but might now be asking for assistance from other companies. The European Space Agency announced plans for a moonbase.
True? False?Exciting times. [hey Moonbase Alpha of Space 1999 might be a little late but it is coming]
Exciting times. [hey Moonbase Alpha of Space 1999 might be a little late but it is coming]