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August 27, 2021 Archives
Friday, August 27, 2021
THE HAPPENING WORLD: SpaceX CRS-23 Cargo Launch to the International Space Station
Launch is scheduled for an instantaneous launch window at 07:37 UTC on 2021-08-28. Weather is predicted as only 40% favourable for launch at that time. If weather forces a delay, there is a backup launch window at 07:14 UTC the next day, 2021-08-29, when weather is predicted to be 60% favourable.
Update: Launch scrubbed due to multiple violations of weather constraints. They'll probably try the backup launch opportunity at 07:14 UTC on Sunday, 2021-08-29, unless weather further deteriorates. (2021-08-28 12:26 UTC)
THE HAPPENING WORLD: Astra LV0006 Orbital Test Flight
Here is more about Astra, the rocket, and the flight. The launch window opens at 21:00 UTC on 2021-08-27, but extends through September 11th, with multiple opportunities in case of delays. The video coverage will begin one hour before the launch time, whenever that may be.
Update: Launch aborted at T0, after first stage engine start. The launch attempt has been scrubbed for the day, with a new launch time not yet announced. If the problem is resolved in time, another launch opportunity is available tomorrow. (2021-08-27 21:56 UTC)
CONTEXT: Looking Ahead to Science with the James Webb Space Telescope
Assuming it actually works, and they're allowed to call it that.
CONTINUITY: Unconditionally Secure Relativistic Multi-Party Biased Coin Flipping and Die Rolling
For those who doubt that we can all roll dice together, such as to enforce laws with random punishments: https://t.co/3XzrzbEviD
— Robin Hanson (@robinhanson) August 26, 2021
THE HAPPENING WORLD: Japan Tests Rotating Detonation Wave Engine in Space
First picture of a Rotating Detonation Engine operating in space.
— ToughSF (@ToughSf) August 26, 2021
It operated for 6 seconds, generating 500N of thrust. Pressure ratio up to 900, Isp 330s.https://t.co/Eb2v8ZXkmp
Details: https://t.co/N2ioLZ8sB0 pic.twitter.com/LyXP70zfXY
Here is a Scott Manley video explaining how rotating detonation engines work and why they can be more efficient than conventional combustion engines.
TRACKING WITH CLOSEUPS: Visualising Tomography
...if you ever wondered what math is applied, when you lie in a CT scanner:https://t.co/G9PRafgNUU
— Kolibril (@kolibril13) August 24, 2021