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Extra-Solar Planets, 2005.
A look at the search for extra-solar planets.
1,640 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper begins with a definition and description of the planets within our solar system and then goes on to discuss extra-solar planets and the ongoing search for them. The paper describes some of the technology and techniques employed in this search, a discovery of an extra-solar planet by scientists at the Geneva Observatory in Switzerland, and recent advances in locating extra-solar planetary objects.
From the Paper
"The word planet means ?wanderer? in Greek. It derives from the fact that planets within our solar system seem generally to wander eastward about the so-called ?fixed stars across the zodiac constellations (Kolb). There is no clear consensus precisely defining what constitutes a planet, as distinguished from brown dwarfs, which are the material remnants of burned out ancient stars whose masses where too small to form white dwarfs or collapse completely, forming black holes in the manner that stars much larger than ten solar masses, or ten times the mass of our sun (Hawking)."
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Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster, 2004.
Examination of the events leading up to the Challenger disaster and lessons that were learned following it.
1,624 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
The Challenger Space Shuttle exploded 73 seconds after take-off from the Kennedy Space Center on January 28, 1986, killing all 7 crew members on board. The accident threw the U.S. space program into turmoil as NASA grounded its remaining space shuttles over the next two years for redesigning of their safety features and implementing stricter quality control. This paper describes the Challenger disaster, discusses why the accident occurred, whether it could have been prevented, and who was to blame. It also discusses the dangers of space travel even in the 21st century.
From the Paper
"NASA launched the re-usable Space Shuttle program in the late 1960s. The Space Shuttle was initially part of a plan to ferry astronauts and cargo to and from an Earth-orbiting space station. Later on, lack of funding forced NASA to drop the plan for the ?space station? and it revised the shuttle?s function as a ?space truck? that could deploy and retrieve satellites and carry out scientific experiments in space. Each Space Shuttle was designed to perform about 100 missions with only minor maintenance. Their re-usability, in contrast, to the ?throwaway? spacecrafts used earlier was purported as a major cost-cutting feature. However, space shuttles proved very expensive to develop and NASA had to make more frequent launches to offset the costs. In one year alone (1986--the year of the Challenger disaster) 24 shuttle missions were planned. (Chaikan, 2003)"
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Solar Energy, 2004.
Examines the history, future, and practicality of solar energy.
2,556 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
Scientists, environmentalists, and advocates of cheap, clean energy often tout solar energy as the answer to the world's energy problems and the energy source of the future. This paper examines whether solar energy is, indeed, the answer and whether its use on a large-scale is practical for use in the United States. It also looks at the history and types of solar energy.
From the Paper
"In addition, creating solar power generators it is a much smaller endeavor than building power generators for neighborhoods and businesses. Solar energy is quiet, reliable, and safe, and it makes sense in a variety of situations. Because of this, many states, including New Jersey, are adopting stricter standards for utility companies concerning utilizing more solar power. A recent amendment by the New Jersey Legislature requires the state's electrical utilities to utilize solar power as a portion of their power generation."
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The Militarization of Space, 2004.
This paper argues in favor of the United States' militarization of space.
1,729 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
Just a few decades ago, the question of weapons in space was largely the realm of science fiction writers. However, the dawn of the 21st century has witnessed a permanent presence in space for mankind in the International Space Station. The increasingly internationalized nature of space has caused many observers to call for the United States to assume control to ensure that continued access to this vital and strategic region continues in the future. However, critics of such proposals assert that as the ?last peaceful frontier?, there is no room for weapons in an otherwise free outer space. This paper provides an overview of the issues, the controlling legislation, and relevant international treaties, followed by an examination of the position of the space militarization advocates and those of its critics. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
From the Paper
"Accordingly, the Space Commission cautions that there has been an insufficient amount of attention paid to the threat and, as a result, "the U.S. is an attractive candidate for a 'Space Pearl Harbor'" (Pena 16). The fact of the matter is, though, that the United States relies more on space than any other country and that the American military in particular is becoming increasingly reliant on space-based systems; in addition, these space systems are currently undefended and are potentially vulnerable to attack."
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Columbia and NASA, 2004.
A study of NASA?s organizational weaknesses and how they contributed to the Columbia shuttle accident.
17,874 words (approx. 71.5 pages), 33 sources, MLA, $ 249.95
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Abstract
The research questions upon which the study is based ask whether or not NASA?s organizational structure had an effect on the amount of communication effort expended during preparation for the Columbia shuttle?s takeoff and whether it ultimately caused the demise of the shuttle and its passengers. Based on the review of the literature, this study answers the following research questions. Has NASA?s organizational culture changed since the Challenger shuttle accident in 1986, which was largely the result of gaps in communication? What aspects of NASA as an agency may have been partially to blame for the Columbia accident? What do independent parties believe caused the accident? What must NASA do to improve the agency before sending more shuttles to space?
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Research Methodology and Importance
Literature Review
Research Issue #1
Research Issue #2
Research Issue #3
Research Issue #4
Research Issue #5
Research Issue #6
Research Issue #7
Research Issue #8
Research Summary
References
From the Paper
"After nearly seven months of investigation, the Board released a series of findings and recommendations aimed at significantly reducing the chances of further accidents. Their aim has been to improve shuttle safety by multiple means, not just by correcting the specific faults that caused the Columbia disaster. With this in mind, the Board conducted an investigation of what happened in Columbia, as well as what conditions allowed the accident to occur. During this process, the Board identified numerous factors, which they have grouped into three categories: physical failures that were directly responsible for Columbia?s destruction; underlying weaknesses, revealed in NASA?s organization and history, that may end in catastrophic failure; and additional observations made during the course of investigation."
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Space Debris and Junk, 2002.
An examination of the causes and effects of space debris and junk.
1,711 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the nature, causes and effects and the technological and legal solutions to the increasing problem of the presence of space debris and junk in space. By relating the problem of space debris to a memorable current event, it informs the readers about the possible dangers that future space explorations might face if this problem will be left unsolved. It also looks how technological and legal solutions provide an implication that the problem of space debris are taken seriously by government and astronomical agencies because of the prevalence of mishaps and accidents that have been happening/occurring in space.
Outline
Introduction
What are Space Debris and Junk?
Effects and Threats of Space Debris and Junk
Technological Aspects of Resolving the Space Debris and Junk Problem
Legal Aspects of Solving the Space Debris and Junk Problem
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Space debris and junk can pose a tremendous danger to satellites and spacecrafts, whether these spacecrafts are manned or not. In a book entitled, ?Orbital Debris,? authored by the Commission on Engineering and Technical Systems, spacecrafts traveling in the lower Earth orbit, or LEO, are more susceptible to collide with smaller particles, with a one-millimeter diameter (CETS 1995 4). However, there is also a big chance that big-sized particles will collide with spacecrafts and satellites traveling along the LEO region. Collisions between spacecrafts and space junk usually happen in the LEO region because this particular region is highly-populated with space debris and junk. This is logical since most of the space programs and explorations that were conducted by nations on Earth are usually located in the nearest region away from the Earth, which is on the lower Earth orbit."
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NASA, 2002.
A background of the structure of NASA, focusing on the newly formed One NASA program.
2,565 words (approx. 10.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
This first part of this paper examines the current structure of NASA, and the problems that are spawned by its fragmented structure. The paper then looks at the goals, obstacles and potential benefits of the One NASA program, paying special attention to the Integrated Financial Management Project (IFMP). It examines whether the IFMP -- an agency-wide effort to overhaul NASA?s financial and administrative systems and processes ? can have a positive effect in building a more integrated organizational culture within the space agency.
From the Paper
"NASA is not a single monolith. Instead, it is composed of several field centers scattered across the country. Each center has its own staff, origin and research focus (Bromberg 1999). Ideally, these field centers work together with their headquarters, situated in Washington, DC. After all, as seen in the following description of their responsibilities and duties, many of the centers have overlapping mandates, duties and projects. However, more often than not, Headquarters and the individual centers are in conflict, resulting in duplication of effort and a waste of resources."
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Man on the Moon, 2002.
A discussion of man's first walk on the moon by astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldren.
1,549 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses one of the most important and nation altering events to occur in the 1960s, the Apollo astronaut program, specifically, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldren's successful walk on the moon on July 20, 1969. It analyzes how space flight stimulated the nation's growth in myriad ways. It looks at the many technological advances came from the Mercury and Apollo programs and beyond, from lightweight metal alloys to smaller and smaller computer guidance systems which eventually turned into desktop computers so extremely prevalent in the world today. It evaluates how if we had not gone to the moon, our lives today might be much different and so would many of our institutions. Space flight stimulated technological growth, national pride and the notion that we can still "reach for the stars."
From the Paper
"First came the Mercury project, where America put men in space. On May 5, 1961, Major Alan Shepard, a Naval academy graduate and test pilot, climbed aboard the Freedom 7 capsule atop a Redstone rocket and became the first American in space. Shepard?s flight was sub orbital and lasted only 15 minutes, but it showed America we could still be vital in the space race (which the Russians were winning at the moment), and it kindled spirit and passion in the minds of Americans. The Mercury program ran from 1958 to 1963, and satisfied all its objectives. The Gemini flights between 1965 and 1966 were designed to transition between the Mercury exercises and the Apollo moon missions. The Gemini flights were to teach us how maneuver a spacecraft by maneuvering it in orbit, rendezvousing in space, docking with other vehicles, perfecting methods of entering the atmosphere, and landing at a preselected point on land."
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Inner and Outer Solar System, 2002.
An explanation of the inner and outer solar systems, with the sun at its core.
3,162 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to explain the nature of the solar system. Starting with the inner solar system, the paper explores the make-up of the sun, central to the system, followed by Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. The paper then explores what is known as the outer system, beginning with Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. The paper then offers a three-point conclusion, beginning with the sun and then dividing into the outer and inner solar systems.
From the Paper
"Many theories have been formulated by scientists and scholars that help explain the nature and origin of the solar system, which gave birth to the planets in it, which includes the planet Earth. Among these formation theories, the most widely-accepted theory is the Nebular Theory of Solar System Formation. This theory states that the solar system was formed as a result of the collapse of an interstellar cloud, which eventually became the solar system and all the planets and elements within it. This space phenomenon happened 4.7 billion years ago, and as the interstellar cloud collapsed under the force of gravity, it rotates at a fast rate, eventually forming a ball of hot gas and dust, called the protosun."
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Solid Fuel Rockets, 2002.
Discusses the potential for the space rocket industry to become commercialized.
2,376 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 19 sources, MLA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
The space shuttle is the world's first reusable spacecraft. With today?s technology, shuttles are capable of withstanding the vacuums of space, the difficulty of re-entry and cosmic and solar radiation. The paper shows that while some scientists believe the space industry will never become commercialized due to the shuttle's outdated complexities, shuttles of today may commercialize the space industry with an old rocket technology that has not been fully realized. Solid rocket engines, an old, yet reliable, space technology, are safe, low cost, provide a high thrust and may be the key to space industry commercialization.
From the Paper
"Solid fuel rocket engines are an old technology. While they have changed since their inventions of early China, their simple and non-complicated design remains in tact. It is due to that design that the engines and rockets have remained stable throughout centuries. They are safe, encompassing easy to handle materials, and allowing for long-term storage. They are reliable, consisting of non-machine related parts to limit the possibilities of mechanical failure. They are cost effective, due to their reusability as well as their materials, made from low cost resources."
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