Atlas 5 Rocket Launches to the Moon
Credit: NASA
Posted on 06/22/2009 7:23:10 AM PDT by sig226
Explanation: This rocket is headed for the Moon. Pictured above, a huge Altas V rocket roared off the launch pad last week to start NASA's first missions to Earth's Moon in 10 years. The rocket is carrying two robotic spacecraft. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) is scheduled to orbit and better map the Moon, search for buried and hidden ice, and return many high resolution images. Some images will be below one-meter in resolution and include images of historic Apollo landing sites. Exploratory data and images should allow a more informed choice of possible future astronaut landing sites. The Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) is scheduled to monitor the controlled impact of the rocket's upper stage into a permanently shadowed crater near the Moon's south pole. This impact, which should occur in about three months, might be visible on Earth through small telescopes.
That can't be true! I saw a film that said it was all fake:
Eh? What’s up with the wire stays?
“Eh? What’s up with the wire stays?”
I think they are to protect the launch pad and rocket from lightning. Theoretically, the wires protect the equipment below then in a 45 degree cone. They are probably slightly offset from the pad to provide clearance.
Ah. That makes sense. The camera angle makes it look like they are tied to the rocket, not a lightning rod directly behind it.
I wonder why we’re mapping the moon for possible landing sites or searching for water.
Are the Chinese going there?
Our deficit spending will never allow us to leave earth orbit for the next few generations. Even earth orbit visits to the ISS will have to be made on Russian spacecraft after the shuttle is retired.
I still can’t believe I paid to see that in a theater.
“it look like they are tied to the rocket, not a lightning rod directly behind it”
There’s no lightning rod behind the rocket. I suspect that there are some towers around the launch pad that support the wires that protect the pad and equipment. There are similar configurations around power transformer substations.
*sigh*
OK, to the tower holding the lightning rod that is, from this camera angle, hidden behind the rocket.
Happy now?
“tower holding the lightning rod”
Ha! Not so quick! ;-) Here’s an article that shows the towers for the lightning cables (one of which is probably in the background of the rocket in this photo).
http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Lightning_Protection_For_The_Next_Generation_Spacecraft_999.html
LOL!!!
You win!
;^P
a huge Altas V rocket roared off the launch pad last week to start NASA's first missions to Earth's Moon in 10 years. The rocket is carrying two robotic spacecraft. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) is scheduled to orbit and better map the Moon, search for buried and hidden ice, and return many high resolution images. Some images will be below one-meter in resolution and include images of historic Apollo landing sites. Exploratory data and images should allow a more informed choice of possible future astronaut landing sites. The Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) is scheduled to monitor the controlled impact of the rocket's upper stage into a permanently shadowed crater near the Moon's south pole. This impact, which should occur in about three months, might be visible on Earth through small telescopes.Thanks sig226.
F-22 Raptor photo snapped at the moment it broke the sound barrier.
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