Post: #26

(01-08-2016 07:08 PM)PapayaTapper Wrote:  

(01-08-2016 07:01 PM)NASA Test Pilot Wrote:  To think that there is no other access to space, particularly with the Space Shuttle being retired is short sighted gentleman. Civilian access to space will be a great thing and will bring out the best (and perhaps worst) in man, but I can assure you that there is more and what you see is decades behind what exists.

audentis fortuna iuvat.

Please do so

See Private e-mails gentlemen.

Post: #27

(01-09-2016 06:24 AM)NASA Test Pilot Wrote:  

(01-08-2016 07:08 PM)PapayaTapper Wrote:  

(01-08-2016 07:01 PM)NASA Test Pilot Wrote:  To think that there is no other access to space, particularly with the Space Shuttle being retired is short sighted gentleman. Civilian access to space will be a great thing and will bring out the best (and perhaps worst) in man, but I can assure you that there is more and what you see is decades behind what exists.

audentis fortuna iuvat.

Please do so

See Private e-mails gentlemen.

Why don't you just post it here for everyone to see?
I'm sure lots of people would like to know about all the fantastic technology that already exists.

Post: #28

"Meanwhile someone, somewhere can't do a three-point turn on a secluded cul-de-sac."

Post: #29

Test Pilot, the physics and engineering problems of launch (or flight) to LEO are well known. While it's possible and likely that skunkworks type projects exist (i.e. the mixed-mode scramjet/ramjet/rocket engine) they each have their own drawbacks that go with their advantages. Being decades ahead of competitors in the launch business isn't much, most of the designs for our current rockets (Atlas, Delta, Ariane) are decades old.

Even the advantages of first stage reusability is unknown at this point. It's great what SpaceX has accomplished but the hard work will be how many times can the stage be reflown, how much it costs to refurbish, cost increases based on reduced new first stage construction, and longterm reliability of the reused stages. And you need to keep in mind that the flight profile currently allows for RTLS (return to launch site) only up to a certain payload weight. After that you need the barge. And after a certain point recovery of the first stage isn't possible. Don't get me wrong, this is an awesome accomplishment and it could reduce costs dramatically.

Post: #30

Think single stage earth to orbit. I would say decades ahead in the technology area as it relates to the launch vehicle itself. Competition in the civilian industry is not a factor yet as the R&D comes from the government/military side of the military-industrial complex. Look for that to change near the mid part of the century. You will be able to see it change very gradually in the next 25 years if you pay close attention.

When most people think RTLS they are focused on conventional material science and propulsion, particularly with the liquid propellants. When you go beyond these conventions, the mass part of the equation changes and many problems are solved (while a few new ones are created). Hypersonic technologies were made public in the 60´s. The Soviets (Russians) would not develop hypersonic ground to air missiles (now public) for the heck of it. Imagine being able to deliver ordinance to downtown Moscow and not being able to stop it, they did not like the idea either. There is also a reason that China has been devoting significant assets, especially human capital when it comes to engineering to access space. It all goes back to a basic male issue of dominance gentlemen. Space warfare is not some esoteric concept. It is not an accident that test pilots are all military with combat experience. So when you hear about ´new´ technologies in the public, keep these thoughts in mind.

HLV´s ( Heavy Lift Vehicles) are the mainstay to access space today from a policy issue because of their cost benefits. These are the types of things that you hear about mostly, even if it is a launch from Wallops. There was a case for a mixed vehicle access that was also made as well as a case for mostly unconventional vehicles. These series of decisions were made beginning in the late 80´s and then solidified in the early 90´s. There is normally a 20-25 year cycle. It has been reviewed and the mix will be changing from a policy level as that decision was made a number of years ago. Look for a new type of shuttle before 2020, then SSEO´s in the 2035-2045, and an increased dissemination of manned information in 5 year blocks throughout the 21st century starting in the 2020-2025 timeframe.

The primary quality for a test pilot (after the basic laundry list things) are communication and risk assessment, as we must accurately and effectively share our experiences with the other test pilots and scientists in order to continually move the project forward in a safe, effective, timely and cost efficient manner. The second quality is something for which I can only explain as a feeling. When I am surfing I am 100% focused and I am 100% relaxed at the same time. If I am not relaxed, I will miss something that is in the big picture (forest), if I am too focused on any one thing or smaller group of things, I will miss some minute detail (the tree) in the bigger picture. It is a constant balancing. A lack of balance in either of these often or between these two leads to an instantaneous decision that could have severe consequences. As a surfer or a (test) pilot, we make these types decision continuously and take the corresponding actions often times unconsciously. The greatest reward is this feeling of that we surfers call the Stoke. This comes with pushing your limits, just as any man does in countless other endeavors such as building or competing. It has a kinesthetic element that is the stuff of my dreams.

Post: #31

Which programs have you worked on?

Post: #32

"NASA" Test Pilot dropped a strange, rambling post with a writing style indicating he is not a native English speaker.

(01-10-2016 01:34 AM)MidJack Wrote:  Which programs have you worked on?

I'm gonna guess this one.




EDIT- having said all that- I have thought for some time now that the "Space Program" is basically giant PR thing for the government. I would not be surprised one bit if NASA and various defense contractors are in possession of technology decades ahead of anything available to the public. Look up the stories about Lockheed-Martin Skunkworks, for example. Dat's sum crazy shit.

Post: #33

(01-10-2016 08:41 AM)NovaVirtu Wrote:  "NASA" Test Pilot dropped a strange, rambling post with a writing style indicating he is not a native English speaker.

(01-10-2016 01:34 AM)MidJack Wrote:  Which programs have you worked on?

I'm gonna guess this one.




EDIT- having said all that- I have thought for some time now that the "Space Program" is basically giant PR thing for the government. I would not be surprised one bit if NASA and various defense contractors are in possession of technology decades ahead of anything available to the public. Look up the stories about Lockheed-Martin Skunkworks, for example. Dat's sum crazy shit.

No troll. Read between the lines. Yes on the crazy shit perspective. The black budget is greater than the defense budget. I was born in the US of A. I live abroad and have been retired for nearly a decade. I initially made private replies (and I put a note on the forum to indicate this) because I cannot be specific as I mentioned in the first sentence. When a program becomes public I can talk more. Watch the timeline or just ignore it and me. Ask any officer on an aircraft carrier what types of weapons are on board. If you ask about a certain type certain type (think lots of destruction), the response will be that I cannot confirm nor deny the existence of such onboard. I made reference to academics because if you read between the lines on that, you can e-mail me about things that are technical, but perhaps not secret.

P.S. I just saw your edit brother

Post: #34

Future of hypersonic travel

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/a...5995500693

Post: #35

From the test pilot:
"When I am surfing I am 100% focused and I am 100% relaxed at the same time. If I am not relaxed, I will miss something that is in the big picture (forest), if I am too focused on any one thing or smaller group of things, I will miss some minute detail (the tree) in the bigger picture. It is a constant balancing. A lack of balance in either of these often or between these two leads to an instantaneous decision that could have severe consequences. As a surfer or a (test) pilot, we make these types decision continuously and take the corresponding actions often times unconsciously. The greatest reward is this feeling of that we surfers call the Stoke. This comes with pushing your limits, just as any man does in countless other endeavors such as building or competing. It has a kinesthetic element that is the stuff of my dreams."

Sums up my years of doing martial arts. When I was on the field in group combat I never felt more alive. There was the sense of total awareness because the first time you missed something, you might get bopped.

Post: #36

(01-12-2016 04:36 PM)NASA Test Pilot Wrote:  

(01-10-2016 08:41 AM)NovaVirtu Wrote:  "NASA" Test Pilot dropped a strange, rambling post with a writing style indicating he is not a native English speaker.

(01-10-2016 01:34 AM)MidJack Wrote:  Which programs have you worked on?

I'm gonna guess this one.




EDIT- having said all that- I have thought for some time now that the "Space Program" is basically giant PR thing for the government. I would not be surprised one bit if NASA and various defense contractors are in possession of technology decades ahead of anything available to the public. Look up the stories about Lockheed-Martin Skunkworks, for example. Dat's sum crazy shit.

No troll. Read between the lines. Yes on the crazy shit perspective. The black budget is greater than the defense budget. I was born in the US of A. I live abroad and have been retired for nearly a decade. I initially made private replies (and I put a note on the forum to indicate this) because I cannot be specific as I mentioned in the first sentence. When a program becomes public I can talk more. Watch the timeline or just ignore it and me. Ask any officer on an aircraft carrier what types of weapons are on board. If you ask about a certain type certain type (think lots of destruction), the response will be that I cannot confirm nor deny the existence of such onboard. I made reference to academics because if you read between the lines on that, you can e-mail me about things that are technical, but perhaps not secret.

P.S. I just saw your edit brother

Fair enough- I've re-read this thread and your response, and I guess I may have jumped the gun here- I apologize. This forum is heavily trolled, I suppose I've become overly skeptical on some things.

I'll send you a PM, I'd actually be very interested to hear about your experience and knowledge on this topic.

This forum attracts some interesting people...

Post: #37

(01-12-2016 05:01 PM)ColSpanker Wrote:  From the test pilot:
"When I am surfing I am 100% focused and I am 100% relaxed at the same time. If I am not relaxed, I will miss something that is in the big picture (forest), if I am too focused on any one thing or smaller group of things, I will miss some minute detail (the tree) in the bigger picture. It is a constant balancing. A lack of balance in either of these often or between these two leads to an instantaneous decision that could have severe consequences. As a surfer or a (test) pilot, we make these types decision continuously and take the corresponding actions often times unconsciously. The greatest reward is this feeling of that we surfers call the Stoke. This comes with pushing your limits, just as any man does in countless other endeavors such as building or competing. It has a kinesthetic element that is the stuff of my dreams."

Sums up my years of doing martial arts. When I was on the field in group combat I never felt more alive. There was the sense of total awareness because the first time you missed something, you might get bopped.

I've felt something like this when I used to do jiujistu. It's a great feeling.

I believe "flow state" is the proper term?

Post: #38

Video looks shopped. It was just a launch in reverse.

Post: #39

(01-09-2016 06:24 AM)NASA Test Pilot Wrote:  

(01-08-2016 07:08 PM)PapayaTapper Wrote:  

(01-08-2016 07:01 PM)NASA Test Pilot Wrote:  To think that there is no other access to space, particularly with the Space Shuttle being retired is short sighted gentleman. Civilian access to space will be a great thing and will bring out the best (and perhaps worst) in man, but I can assure you that there is more and what you see is decades behind what exists.

audentis fortuna iuvat.

Please do so

See Private e-mails gentlemen.

HEY, don't leave me out!!!