Antares
Successful Launch of Antares Rocket, and more to come...
Antares
A new era:
A new era of accessing outer space has begun in the United States. New, low cost, commercial programs have begun to replace the retired Shuttle programs. The Antares program is a mission under NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) that involves privately contracted companies to provide a reliable and responsive avenue from which to conduct space missions. Antares is a launch vehicle capable of medium class payloads, intended to conduct supply trips to the International Space Station.
How was it completed?:
A system that encouraged progress, and timely goals to be met, has allowed for the success of this program thus far. NASA granted contracts to those companies that proved capable of meeting deadlines. NASA rewarded these companies with contracts that could sustain a company's endeavors into partnering with the agency and to provide services to advance the understanding of our universe, and conducting activities vital for that goal. Of these companies contracted, Orbital Sciences Corporation won the major seat in leading the construction of the Antares rocket. The Antares Rocket would prove to be more efficient to conduct missions to the International Space Station.
A new era of accessing outer space has begun in the United States. New, low cost, commercial programs have begun to replace the retired Shuttle programs. The Antares program is a mission under NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) that involves privately contracted companies to provide a reliable and responsive avenue from which to conduct space missions. Antares is a launch vehicle capable of medium class payloads, intended to conduct supply trips to the International Space Station.
How was it completed?:
A system that encouraged progress, and timely goals to be met, has allowed for the success of this program thus far. NASA granted contracts to those companies that proved capable of meeting deadlines. NASA rewarded these companies with contracts that could sustain a company's endeavors into partnering with the agency and to provide services to advance the understanding of our universe, and conducting activities vital for that goal. Of these companies contracted, Orbital Sciences Corporation won the major seat in leading the construction of the Antares rocket. The Antares Rocket would prove to be more efficient to conduct missions to the International Space Station.
Successful Launch
On April 21, 2013, the Antares rocket was launched with great success, as the initial test flight met all planned processes. This launch was a mock trial for future launches that would supply the International Space Station with equipment needed for activities.
Previously, on April, 17, 2013, the first attempt at a launch was halted 12 minutes before liftoff due to an umbilical, needed for the second stage of the Antares's rocket booster, that detached unexpectedly . The launch would be rescheduled.
On the day of the successful launch, numerous news agencies reported on the success of the mission as it was an introduction to many more missions to be conducted with the partnership of NASA and private companies. Reports stated the smooth procession of events, from the initial thrust of the burning fuel (liquid oxygen and kerosene), to the ultimate release of the practice payload.
Previously, on April, 17, 2013, the first attempt at a launch was halted 12 minutes before liftoff due to an umbilical, needed for the second stage of the Antares's rocket booster, that detached unexpectedly . The launch would be rescheduled.
On the day of the successful launch, numerous news agencies reported on the success of the mission as it was an introduction to many more missions to be conducted with the partnership of NASA and private companies. Reports stated the smooth procession of events, from the initial thrust of the burning fuel (liquid oxygen and kerosene), to the ultimate release of the practice payload.
Fostering Innovation
American companies are working to provide launches that will supply needs at the ISS, conduct space missions with different payloads, and soon, transport astronauts. These companies are working with NASA and the United States' government to be a leader in space exploration.
The prime company that led the Antares rocket mission was Orbital Sciences Corporation. With the success of this first launch the inauguration of an age of capabilities for the private sector grows and sets a base. The space agency will now work more with private entities than ever before.
Another milestone was reached on the Sunday of the launch. The newest spaceport capable of launching to the International Space Station was inaugurated at Wallops Flight Facility.
The prime company that led the Antares rocket mission was Orbital Sciences Corporation. With the success of this first launch the inauguration of an age of capabilities for the private sector grows and sets a base. The space agency will now work more with private entities than ever before.
Another milestone was reached on the Sunday of the launch. The newest spaceport capable of launching to the International Space Station was inaugurated at Wallops Flight Facility.
Successful Launch for Antares
Students and Teachers: A new age to learn about
During the earlier days of NASA's activities, Space Shuttles such as the Saturn V, dominated the scene, leading space ventures. Today, the scene is changing as new innovative ways are being adopted. It is important for younger generations to learn about past operations and the new ones that will dominate their age. In order to access more information please visit the link at the end of this page.
Teachers:
Making it a goal to provide latest updates on the Antares missions will create excitement for young kids, and young adults. NASA's webpage on the Antares project gives scheduled dates for launches and provides access to videos of these launches as well. Having a society engaged in the activities conducted by NASA and its partners is crucial for the success of these programs, as it is for the benefit of our society and knowledge.
Students:
There are many way students can be engaged with NASA activities. Accessing resources to watch, and learn more about space missions, and the Antares rocket mission is fundamentally basic and easy. NASA is a great resource to start learning about activities that this American agency is conducting. The more you know, the better you will be equipped to hear and understand latest developments and to communicate it with your peers in an exciting age of understanding.
Teachers:
Making it a goal to provide latest updates on the Antares missions will create excitement for young kids, and young adults. NASA's webpage on the Antares project gives scheduled dates for launches and provides access to videos of these launches as well. Having a society engaged in the activities conducted by NASA and its partners is crucial for the success of these programs, as it is for the benefit of our society and knowledge.
Students:
There are many way students can be engaged with NASA activities. Accessing resources to watch, and learn more about space missions, and the Antares rocket mission is fundamentally basic and easy. NASA is a great resource to start learning about activities that this American agency is conducting. The more you know, the better you will be equipped to hear and understand latest developments and to communicate it with your peers in an exciting age of understanding.
Strong National Economy
With the use of the private sector to complete new goals in space exploration, American companies will be at the helm of innovation. Contracts created for a private-NASA partnership will provide billions of dollars worth of investment into the American economy. Private industries relating to these fields of engineering, science, math, and technology, are growing and will grow further as the U.S. government funds more projects like the Antares missions. Already, President Barack Obama is issuing new budget plans for the following years to promote similar projects that will include private companies hosting astronauts to further reaches in our solar system.
These developments both provide an influx of money into the American economy as well as more jobs in the STEM related fields. Having an educated workforce to meet this demand of workers will lead to development of not only our country but of educational institutions. The government is playing an important role in these developments.
These developments both provide an influx of money into the American economy as well as more jobs in the STEM related fields. Having an educated workforce to meet this demand of workers will lead to development of not only our country but of educational institutions. The government is playing an important role in these developments.
Support from the Government
As stated before, projects like Antares will help promote this development of the U.S. economy and linkage institutions. Government officials are in charge of approving funding, and thus it is in the interest of the United States to channel the promotion of projects like Antares to government officials that will ultimately ensure a strong push for these space activities.