Micro-Space
Encyclopedia
Micro-Space is an aerospace
corporation based in Denver, Colorado
, founded in February 1977 by Richard P. Speck under the name Spectron Instrument Corporation. The corporation changed its name to "Micro-Space, Inc." in 1998.
competition, Micro-Space has an active aerospace
program flying innovative liquid fueled rocket
s. A long history of flying small rockets with telemetry
, tracking and control systems demonstrates its focus on the fundamental systems necessary for unmanned - and eventually manned - suborbital and orbital
launch systems
. While its operational systems are most appropriate for atmospheric research, the company claims to have produced modules which, if clustered, could power a "spartan" manned launch
.
Seventeen liquid fueled, bipropellant rockets were successfully flown by 2006, with altitudes to 11,000 feet. Hydrogen peroxide
and methyl alcohol were the fuels.
Micro-Space also boasts of operational prototypes suitable for long duration life support and other needs of lunar and interplanetary missions, including Mars landing
.
, involving Dr. Ben Malphrus (Space Science Center director) and professor Bob Twiggs. Micro-Space will also be delivering two similar spacecraft to Morehead State University, and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
. Additional research systems will be added by the two universities.
The complete, four satellite "PQ-Gemini ++" mission group, in addition to validating general satellite systems, will be capable of demonstrating Micro-Space interferometric techniques to characterize orbital differences using only precision range data between ultralight spacecraft in preparation for autonomous rendezvous. Additional systems will allow the relative positions, distance and rotational alignment of the four satellites to be continuously monitored. This information is necessary for the final, docking procedures. Other developmental steps will follow, leading to ultralight sample return missions on the Moon and Mars.
In 2010 Micro-space was selected to negotiate a NASA Phase I SBIR contract entitled "Non-Radiated Field Link to Recharge, Reprogram, Test and Co-ordinate Aux. Payload Systems". Unfortunately, the untimely death of Richard P. Speck in October 2010 effectively halted all programs.
Prospecting operations will be aimed at locating concentrations of extractable lunar gems and minerals. High grade titanium
, rare earth metals and helium-3
(a potential fusion reactor fuel) are all known to exist on the Moon. Low cost flight of concentrated ores to the Earth is feasible using Solar Powered, electromagnetic "Rail guns", and other technologies.
Propellant to complete rendezvous and docking is not allowed in this satellite cluster launch. Arrangements are being negotiated for launch 2011 of small Micro-Space spacecraft with propulsion systems to demonstrate the complete rendezvous and docking process as will be used with “Planetary Ascent Vehicles” carrying prospecting samples. Negotiations with this launch supplier also cover subsequent launch of a “Lunar Lander” and Lunar Transfer spacecraft, as well as the Planetary Ascent and Return vehicles.
Aerospace
Aerospace comprises the atmosphere of Earth and surrounding space. Typically the term is used to refer to the industry that researches, designs, manufactures, operates, and maintains vehicles moving through air and space...
corporation based in Denver, Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
, founded in February 1977 by Richard P. Speck under the name Spectron Instrument Corporation. The corporation changed its name to "Micro-Space, Inc." in 1998.
Philosophy
Micro-Space has a strategy based on using modern technology to achieve radical downsizing of space systems to minimize launch cost and make mission financing feasible. They claim cost-effectiveness is maximised by creating satellites the size of lunchboxes and cell phones as opposed to "Volkswagens".History
While one of the smaller teams participating in the Ansari X PrizeAnsari X Prize
The Ansari X Prize was a space competition in which the X Prize Foundation offered a US$10,000,000 prize for the first non-government organization to launch a reusable manned spacecraft into space twice within two weeks...
competition, Micro-Space has an active aerospace
Aerospace
Aerospace comprises the atmosphere of Earth and surrounding space. Typically the term is used to refer to the industry that researches, designs, manufactures, operates, and maintains vehicles moving through air and space...
program flying innovative liquid fueled rocket
Rocket
A rocket is a missile, spacecraft, aircraft or other vehicle which obtains thrust from a rocket engine. In all rockets, the exhaust is formed entirely from propellants carried within the rocket before use. Rocket engines work by action and reaction...
s. A long history of flying small rockets with telemetry
Telemetry
Telemetry is a technology that allows measurements to be made at a distance, usually via radio wave transmission and reception of the information. The word is derived from Greek roots: tele = remote, and metron = measure...
, tracking and control systems demonstrates its focus on the fundamental systems necessary for unmanned - and eventually manned - suborbital and orbital
Orbital spaceflight
An orbital spaceflight is a spaceflight in which a spacecraft is placed on a trajectory where it could remain in space for at least one orbit. To do this around the Earth, it must be on a free trajectory which has an altitude at perigee above...
launch systems
Launch vehicle
In spaceflight, a launch vehicle or carrier rocket is a rocket used to carry a payload from the Earth's surface into outer space. A launch system includes the launch vehicle, the launch pad and other infrastructure....
. While its operational systems are most appropriate for atmospheric research, the company claims to have produced modules which, if clustered, could power a "spartan" manned launch
Human spaceflight
Human spaceflight is spaceflight with humans on the spacecraft. When a spacecraft is manned, it can be piloted directly, as opposed to machine or robotic space probes and remotely-controlled satellites....
.
Seventeen liquid fueled, bipropellant rockets were successfully flown by 2006, with altitudes to 11,000 feet. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is the simplest peroxide and an oxidizer. Hydrogen peroxide is a clear liquid, slightly more viscous than water. In dilute solution, it appears colorless. With its oxidizing properties, hydrogen peroxide is often used as a bleach or cleaning agent...
and methyl alcohol were the fuels.
Micro-Space also boasts of operational prototypes suitable for long duration life support and other needs of lunar and interplanetary missions, including Mars landing
Mars landing
A Mars landing is a landing of a spacecraft on the surface of Mars. Of multiple attempted Mars landings by robotic, unmanned spacecraft, six were successful. There have also been studies for a possible manned mission to Mars, including a landing, but none have been attempted.-Mars probe program:In...
.
Current projects
According to a May 2010 press release, Micro-Space is currently manifested to fly two tiny CubeSats "Ride Sharing" launch with EduSat, Sich-2 and other spacecraft, to be flown on a DNEPR into Sun Synchronous (near Polar) Orbit, Oct. 2010. Payload integration for this satellite group is being handled by Morehead State UniversityMorehead State University
Morehead State University is a public, co-educational university located in Morehead, Kentucky, United States in the foothills of the Daniel Boone National Forest in Rowan County, midway between Lexington, Kentucky, and Huntington, West Virginia. The 2012 edition of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S...
, involving Dr. Ben Malphrus (Space Science Center director) and professor Bob Twiggs. Micro-Space will also be delivering two similar spacecraft to Morehead State University, and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is a campus of the University of Colorado system, the state university system of Colorado....
. Additional research systems will be added by the two universities.
The complete, four satellite "PQ-Gemini ++" mission group, in addition to validating general satellite systems, will be capable of demonstrating Micro-Space interferometric techniques to characterize orbital differences using only precision range data between ultralight spacecraft in preparation for autonomous rendezvous. Additional systems will allow the relative positions, distance and rotational alignment of the four satellites to be continuously monitored. This information is necessary for the final, docking procedures. Other developmental steps will follow, leading to ultralight sample return missions on the Moon and Mars.
In 2010 Micro-space was selected to negotiate a NASA Phase I SBIR contract entitled "Non-Radiated Field Link to Recharge, Reprogram, Test and Co-ordinate Aux. Payload Systems". Unfortunately, the untimely death of Richard P. Speck in October 2010 effectively halted all programs.
Future plans
Micro-Space is discussing return sample analysis and lunar prospecting with several organizations.Prospecting operations will be aimed at locating concentrations of extractable lunar gems and minerals. High grade titanium
Titanium
Titanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ti and atomic number 22. It has a low density and is a strong, lustrous, corrosion-resistant transition metal with a silver color....
, rare earth metals and helium-3
Helium-3
Helium-3 is a light, non-radioactive isotope of helium with two protons and one neutron. It is rare on Earth, and is sought for use in nuclear fusion research...
(a potential fusion reactor fuel) are all known to exist on the Moon. Low cost flight of concentrated ores to the Earth is feasible using Solar Powered, electromagnetic "Rail guns", and other technologies.
Propellant to complete rendezvous and docking is not allowed in this satellite cluster launch. Arrangements are being negotiated for launch 2011 of small Micro-Space spacecraft with propulsion systems to demonstrate the complete rendezvous and docking process as will be used with “Planetary Ascent Vehicles” carrying prospecting samples. Negotiations with this launch supplier also cover subsequent launch of a “Lunar Lander” and Lunar Transfer spacecraft, as well as the Planetary Ascent and Return vehicles.
External link
- Official Micro-Space Forum, hosted on Space FellowshipSpace FellowshipThe International Space Fellowship is an international news and information network dedicated to the development of the space industry.The organisation works to report and communicate space news and information to its valued community...
- 2010 SBIR Phae 1 Awards]