The Growing Space Industry; Meeting The Demands Of Outer Space Travel
NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is incorporated into many more aspects than rockets to the moon. NASA employs people in a variety of positions, including accountants, scientists, IT specialists, human resources specialists, writers, technicians, engineers, interns, and astronauts. NASA also employees many companies for the production of their space exploration vehicles, rockets, and space stations. NASA is continuously experimenting and building new vehicles that will lead the company and space exploration into the future. NASA continues to build and maintain vehicles currently used, and prototypes for future use. These space exploration vehicles need people to build them, and these vehicles, whether made to fly or drive, need parts and aerospace fittings. In addition to space crafts, NASA continues to build rockets, space stations, and orbiters. Building rockets, Spacecraft, and space exploration vehicles is a massive job made up of tiers of companies and people. NASA strives to continue to be cutting edge in the field of space exploration, as the public welcomes privatization. Privatization has offered a wider scope into how space is explored, and who can explore it. Space X can be considered an ally and a contributor to NASA's goals, or as a fierce competitor.
Rockets
One of the most common and recognizable aspects of NASA is the rocket. A rocket can be a type of vehicle that uses a rocket engine or a specific type of rocket engine. NASA's Saturn V rocket successfully transported humans to the moon. The Falcon 9 rocket was responsible for carrying supplies needed at the International Space Station. Rockets are also used to transport satellites into orbit. NASA also uses Sounding Rockets. These rockets go up, gather data and take measurements, and come back down in less than an hour. Rockets are powered by either liquid or solid fuels, along with an oxidizer. They burn their fuel in a way that does not need air so they can power in space. Gaseous nitrogen, hydrogen and ammonia are formed when liquid hydrazine flows through an open propellant valve into a catalytic decomposition chamber. This is how monopropellant engines generate thrust and successfully burn fuel in outer space. Rocket engines are still composed of typical engine parts. These parts need to withstand extreme circumstances. For instance, temperatures in the main engine combustion chamber have the potential to reach as high as 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Titanium-based alloy is one of the ideal metals for this heat. It is obvious why the aerospace fittings used for rocket engines need to withstand extreme heat.
Spacecrafts
The Spacecraft Orion is part of NASA's Artimus project to explore more parts of the moon, and for deep space exploration. Orion is mainly designed to launch from the top of a Space Launch System rocket. Orion will not actually land on the moon. The Spacecraft will carry the astronauts to what is referred to as the Gateway Spaceship. From there, they will use a lunar landing system to land on the moon. The Orion Spacecraft is also made of specific metal parts and aerospace fittings strong enough for the harsh demands in outer space. The reusable Spacecraft is mainly composed of the ever-reliable aluminum alloy. One of the main goals of this Spacecraft was to use parts and aerospace fittings at the lowest possible unit prices, while still being strong enough to be used several times. The command module was built by Lockheed Martin at the Michoud Assembly Facility. The service module was built by Airbus Defense and Space. Once again, a plethora of people and companies came together in the production process of the Orion.
Prototype; Space Exploration Vehicle
NASA looks toward the future with innovative roving space exploration vehicles. Currently, in the initial design phases, NASA is working on vehicles otherwise known as SEV for in-space missions. These missions will allow astronauts to service satellites, build telescopes, and explore nearby asteroids. The SEV will also make it possible for astronauts to conduct surface explorations on planetary bodies such as the moon and Mars. Building the prototype vehicles includes finding and using the best metals and the best supply companies for the body, engine, and aerospace fittings. Similar to NASA's rockets, the SEV will have a gaseous hydrogen/oxygen RCS system, calling for the same heat resistant parts. NASA's engineers and scientists work alongside automotive and heavy equipment industries, universities, government agencies, and international partners to ensure they have the best minds, parts, and equipment for the new vehicles. Collaboration continues as many companies and workers come together for a common goal.
Competition
Several aspects of space exploration, space vehicles, and rockets have been privatized, offering healthy competition to NASA. Space X is a perfect example. Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, Space X is a private company employing approximately 6,000 people. The company has suppliers in all 50 states. Space X has a demand for aerospace parts, making companies such as Online Metals Depot crucial to their continued success. Space X builds spacecraft and rockets, much like NASA. Their goal is somewhat different as they are focused on the future of people living on other planets. Space X's Spacecraft, Dragon, was the first commercial spacecraft to deliver cargo to and from the International Space Station in 2012. Historically on March 3, 2019, Dragon was the first American Spacecraft to autonomously dock with the International Space Station. Unlike the common aluminum materials found on NASA's rockets and Spacecraft, Dragon is made of a Phenolic impregnated carbon ablator material. This material is a lightweight material designed to withstand high temperatures. This material was originally used by NASA, but upgraded by the scientists at Space X. Space X has plans to unveil the Starship in 2020. This ship's sole purpose is to carry people and cargo into outer space. This launch vehicle uses sub-cooled liquid methane and liquid oxygen propellants. The future is here with Space X vehicles and rockets.
The future of space travel and exploration will continue to grow. Healthy competition will cause advanced ideas to come to fruition at a faster pace. Alongside the complex space industry is a long line of supply chains of business. These businesses will continue to grow as they work to fulfill the demands of aerospace parts and fittings of the growing and changing space industry.
