REAL LIFE NEWS: A CHEAPER WAY INTO SPACE
by Hazed
Space is only about 65 miles up (depending on exactly how you calculate it) but it’s incredibly expensive to travel that short distance. So the news that Japan is developing a new generation of rockets which should make space missions a lot cheaper is very welcome.
The Epsilon is about half the size of its predecessor, and should be half the cost, too. Its first launch was last week, when it carried a telescope into Earth orbit. The scope will be observing Solar system planets.
Epsilon makes great use of artificial intelligence to perform safety checks which means it only needs eight people at the site of the launch. Earlier launches used 150 people. Great for labour costs; not so great for people who have dreamed of working with spaceships!
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24090322
Speaking space launches, here’s a bonus link: a stunning picture of a launch this week: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap130921.html
