Cheap Astronomy - Dear CA #089: Spacecraft

<p><strong>To Boldly Speculate…</strong></p> <p><em>Dear Cheap Astronomy – How would you design a spacecraft?</em></p> <p>Here at Cheap Astronomy we’d use recycled materials, outsourced labour and lots of cut corners. Seriously though... if we’re talking about a crewed spacecraft one of the first things to think about is gravity.</p> <p><em>Dear Cheap Astronomy – Are everything-you-launch-is-it spacecraft now old technology?</em></p> <p>So, this is really a question about whether the Apollo mission concept – of launching everything in one go is the way of the future or will we move to an approach of where you launch components separately and then assemble them in orbit – and maybe fly to your destination where the various pre-launched modules are already positioned there awaiting your arrival – like say a Mars lander?</p> <p> </p> <p>We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs.<span class= "Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Just visit: <a href= "https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy">https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy</a> and donate as much as you can!</p> <p>Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Every bit helps! Thank you!</p> <p>------------------------------------</p> <p>Do go visit <a href= "http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop">http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop</a> for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness!</p> <p><a href= "http://cosmoquest.org/Donate">http://cosmoquest.org/Donate</a> This show is made possible through your donations.<span class= "Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just <a href= "http://cosmoquest.org/Donate">click</a>!)</p> <p>------------------------------------</p> <p>The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. <a href= "http://www.psi.edu">http://www.psi.edu</a></p>