Sunday, January 05, 2014

The Universe of GRAVITY

Many of us who have worked in NASA love the movie GRAVITY. One of my NASA co-workers saw the movie 3 times in the first week! GRAVITY may go down in history as one of the top Space movies of all time, alongside 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. Kubrick's vision of the year 2001 showed commercial flights to the Moon, a Moon base and a giant orbiting space station. GRAVITY showed us a future where the Space Shuttle is still flying and young women could still dream of being Shuttle astronauts. Like 2001, GRAVITY makes us wish to live in that alternate universe.

In what year does GRAVITY take place? We hear that this is STS-157 when our Shuttle flights ended at STS-135. When the Shuttles were retired, there a plan was floated by a private entity to maintain two orbiters and a flight rate of 1-2 flights per year. This would allow US crews to reach ISS without being overly dependent on Russia. It would also allow missions that are impossible for Orion or Dragon, like Hubble repair or moving modules to a Space Station. After a stand-down of about 2 years, flights would resume around 2013. At 2 flights per year STS-157 would take place around year 2024.

We know that GRAVITY takes place in the 2020's because China plans to launch their Space Station in that period. We don't see any Commercial Space Taxis in the movie, but they could be around. Commercial Space is right in front of our 3-D glasses, because a private entity operates the Space Shuttles. In this future other entities, both private and Chinese military, are in Space.

The 2020's have also brought small improvements to Space Suits. The suits in the movie have helmet-mounted readouts and LCD wrist displays, which don't exist on the current Extravehicular Mobility Unit. The GRAVITY suits are more flexible, because we see Ryan Stone kicking her legs in panic! In this future new suits have replaced the EMU.

The Mission of EXPLORER

In GRAVITY, the Hubble Space Telescope is being repaired yet again. Does this mean that the James Webb Space Telescope, touted as Hubble's successor, has suffered delays or failure? We hope not, for JWST will look into an infrared spectrum that Hubble cannot, giving us glimpses into the early Universe. JWST's orbit at the Earth-Sun L2 point would allow it to escape the movie's orbital debris danger.

JWST will not completely replace Hubble, for Hubble can still observe in optical and ultraviolet bands that Webb cannot. The Hubble would be valuable to astronomers if it could be saved. Telescope time, especially on Space telescopes, is scarce. There will always be more astronomers' projects than there is telescope time. The mission of Explorer is to preserve Hubble for the future.

Hubble currently orbits at 360 miles above Earth's surface while while ISS orbits at about 220 miles. Many people have complained that GRAVITY shows astronauts escaping by EVA between them. This may also have been part of Explorer's mission. The Space Shuttle allows payloads like Hubble to be serviced and also moved. Another mission of Explorer was therefore to move Hubble to the orbit of ISS. The lower orbit would be above less of Earth's atmosphere and require more fuel to maintain, but would allow servicing from ISS when the Shuttle was not available.

An International Future

Viewers have also complained that a Chinese Space Station seems very close to ISS, but that may have been intentional. ISS is planned to deorbit sometime in the 2020's but China plans their own large Space Station. China has already expressed interest in other nations participating in its Station. Placing the Chinese Station near ISS would allow crew and equipment to be transferred between them. Potentially even whole modules of ISS could be moved to another Station.

The movie GRAVITY shows a future where both private entities and other nations are in Space. It shows the capabilities of the Space Shuttle for repairing and moving the Hubble Space Telescope. The movie shows cooperation among nations in exploring Space. Finally it gives us young women a role model in Shuttle Astronaut Ryan Stone. Leaving the movie, we wish to live in her Universe.

18 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...


Mia and Woody parted ways and had a longbrutal replica belts (to say the least) custody battle, which was eventually prada replica won by Farrow. In Mia's biography chanel outlet, "What Falls Away, Frank Sinatra, who was once married Mia, (to many people's dismay) louis vuitton outlet offered to have Allen's legs broken when replica handbags he was found to be having an affair with her adopted daughter, Soon-Yi Previn. Keep it cartier replica classy, Frank!

9:59 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I've got chanel outlet belts around my clothing collection. A couple advisors are as used by everyone around 24 months. There're sturdy besides for their premium quality, but on account of the very well replica gucci. So that these individuals very well, It's my job to in search of courses on the net. Soon after the hoping beneath replica chanel bags I'm sure precisely what is practical in addition to precisely what is unproductive. This followings are classified as the retaining points connected with quarry. Lets hope there're great for people. Safaris with creature returning provide expedition connected with The indian subcontinent at a unique view. You can search some sort of camel safari within the replica gucci sands connected with Rajasthan, elephant safaris at wild animals park system, in particular with replica hermes. If you will not be nearly that style, you possibly can limit yourself to offroad autos replica chanel will help you get in relation to swifter. Excessive in place from the replica chanel flap Himalayan spot, you possibly can host decrease this rapids in addition to light rich waters. It truly is a remarkably sporty strategy to expend ones summers, and in some cases a superb likelihood on replica chanel bags clear of heat. It is likewise a superb ground to utilise many mountaineering. Venturing out to help Mashobra along with hillside programs offers you a superb likelihood on light mineral water rafting along with activities.

8:40 PM  
Anonymous oncasinosite said...

Obviously like your web-site but you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome to tell the truth nevertheless I’ll surely come back again.

카지노사이트
먹튀검증
스포츠토토
토토사이트

9:20 PM  
Anonymous totosafeguide said...

I like the efforts you have put in this, appreciate it for all the great blog posts. That is very fascinating, You are an overly skilled blogger.

토토
온라인카지노
파워볼

9:21 PM  
Anonymous totositehot said...

Admiring the commitment you put into your blog and in depth information you present. It’s awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same out of date rehashed information.

사설토토
바카라사이트
파워볼사이트

9:34 PM  
Anonymous 메리트카지노 said...

Looking at this article, I miss the time when I didn't wear a mask. 메리트카지노 Hopefully this corona will end soon. My blog is a blog that mainly posts pictures of daily life before Corona and landscapes at that time. If you want to remember that time again, please visit us.


10:05 PM  
Anonymous 토토사이트 said...

From some point on, I am preparing to build my site while browsing various sites. It is now somewhat completed. If you are interested, please come to play with 토토사이트!!


12:38 AM  
Anonymous sportstoto365 said...

Great work man you have post a great post it will help people very much keep it do more for people like that. 스포츠토토

4:19 AM  
Anonymous bacarasitecom said...

Your share is the great knowledge I have gathered, you are an important person I admire, thank you 바카라사이트

4:21 AM  
Anonymous powerballsitecom said...

It was really good work. I really like your thoughts. I personally appreciates for your work your article is very impressive and helpful for us. .. Thanks 파워볼

4:22 AM  
Anonymous casinositelink said...

something that is remarkable and should be learned. Thank you for providing this great information 카지노사이트

4:23 AM  
Anonymous 먹튀검증업체 said...

One Spin on EVERY Slot Machine in HIGH LIMIT at Coushatta 먹튀검증업체

12:36 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

ค่ายเกมสล็อตออนไลน์ slotxo เล่นมันส์ เหมือนเล่นอยู่ในคาสิโน ค่ายสล็อตออนไลน์อันดับ 1 slotxo ค่ายสล็อตที่อยู่คู่กับผู้เล่นมาอย่างยาวนาน เกมสล็อตลิขสิทธิ์เเท้ 100% ส่งตรงจากต่างประเทศ ดาวน์โหลด slotxo เเล้วเล่นผ่านเว็บได้ทันที สมัครสล็อตรับโบนัสฟรี 100% เคดริตฟรีไม่อั้น โปรโมชั่นเพียบ ฝากถอนอัตโนมัติ ฝากเเละถอนเงินได้ตลอด 24 ชั่วโมง มีแอดมินดูเเลตลอดการใช้งาน.

5:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We had one day to do the sketches, to complete the mood boards. My colleague who helped me was sitting in a bomb shelter; the lights would switch on and off. Fast-forward to us collectively owning multiple pairs. You could accessorize your 'fits with some soft toned scarves and furs, or do it the Italian way and wear Nike Dunks a rainbow of shades in a single look. I used to live in the center of Kyiv, but when the war began I left my flat to stay at my mother's apartment on the outskirts Amiri Shoes of the city. Of course, we had thoughts about whether we should leave Ukraine or at least move from the city, but I just felt that we needed to stay; we needed to be here. Specifically, her new special-edition charm necklace speaks to the synergy between her brand and FEED by Lauren Bush Lauren. Moon boots also made a handful of appearances, coupled with plaid midi skirts, fashionable fleeces, and acid wash jeans. When she hosted SNL, she was spotted in New Golden Goose York wearing pink Nike Off White anorak coat, accentuated with a metallic silver bag and boots to match. Be sure to check out Style Du Monde's favorite street style looks all week long and see if the weather forecast aligns with our fashion forecast this season. Travis Scott We might be saying au revoir to fashion Alexander McQueen month, but it's clear Air Force 1 the foulard is here to stay. It feels really amazing to be back, says Montero. No one has time to be uncomfortable, says Pickersgill. Off White First released as a two toned leather bag, it's now available in a rainbow of solid colors with mini and full size options. As editors and models travel across the Northern Italian city to see the latest from Gucci, Prada, and more, Vogue's Acielle Tanbetova will be traveling backstage and to the fronts of each show to capture another view of the biggest shows of the week.

11:29 PM  
Anonymous 먹튀검증 said...

I will recommend this site!

12:38 AM  
Anonymous 토토사이트 said...

I am permanently exploring online for articles that can help me. Thank you

12:39 AM  
Anonymous 카지노사이트 said...

I am reading this wonderful article to increase my experience.

12:39 AM  
Anonymous 사설토토 said...

I like what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and coverage!

12:40 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home

Locations of visitors to this page