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spaceplane

Human Exploration

Virgin set to go Galactic?

Humans have been exploring mysterious lands and faraway civilizations for hundreds of years ever since they had the ability and knowledge to do so.  A curiosity and a desire to investigate the unknown has helped humans learn more about the world around us. Technology today has also developed to allow Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 6 years6 years ago
Concept Spacecraft

XS-1: Spaceplane of the Future?

The good news first: a major aerospace contractor is researching how to build a reusable spaceplane that could dramatically cut the cost of accessing low Earth orbit. Now the bad news: it is purely for military users and cannot carry people.     Aerospace giant Northrop Grumman has won a Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 7 years7 years ago
Human Exploration

Dreamchaser: Everything You Need to Know About the Mini-Shuttle

It is almost three years since NASA’s Space Shuttle program flew its last mission in July 2011, after providing a mode of transport into space for various crews over a 30 year career. The retired fleet of four orbiters (Challenger, Endeavour, Discovery and Atlantis) are now pride of place in Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 7 years ago
Human Exploration

Cleaning Up the Final Frontier

Our attempts to reach out into space and learn as much as we can about our Universe and also learn much more about the workings of our beautiful Blue Planet has come at a cost and the space agencies around the world have not ignored the growing space “graveyard” encompassing Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 7 years7 years ago
Concept Spacecraft

Flying Saucers From NASA

Spacecraft with a lenticular design (that is, shaped like a biconvex lens) were actively studied by NASA and US industry in the late 1950s and early ‘60s. A craft of such a shape would experience lower heating on re-entry than a winged layout as the heat would be spread over Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 8 years7 years ago
Rockets

Wings into Orbit: the Skylon Spaceplane Project

I’m sure you’ve heard the one:what do you get if you cross a sheep and a spacecraft?Or what about:what do you get if you cross a plane and a spaceship?Well to see if you come up with the same answers as me, read on… Over the years comic book illustrators Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 years7 years ago
X-37 artist impression
Rockets

X-37: Speculation, Secrets and Espionage?

The Boeing X-37, also called the Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), is an unmanned American spacecraft.  Its first orbital mission was on 22 April 2010 returning back to Earth on 3 December 2010.  A second X-37 was launched on 5 March 2011 and has not yet returned to Earth at time Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 years9 years ago
Rockets

Image of the Month: Rockets Then and Now

Once upon a time rockets were exciting symbols of a glorious and exciting future when everyone would get their chance to have a holiday on the Moon.  Well the future is now and the lunar resorts are still not here. Launch vehicles are another dull but necessary piece of civilisation’s Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 years6 years ago
Rockets

Space Tourism: the Frightening Truth

Back in December 2009, with great fanfare, space tourism company Virgin Galactic unveiled the vehicles their fare-paying passengers will ride in as they ascend into space. Built by the Spaceship Company (a coventure of Virgin and that supremely adventurous aircraft manufacturer Scaled Composites), the pair are engineering marvels. The huge Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 years6 years ago
Colin Johnston

The Shuttle and Me

NASA’s final Shuttle flight is due this week, in this article Colin Johnston reveals what this historic space project has meant to him.   (This article is a sequel to Apollo and me which appeared in the July 2009 issue of Astronotes. It’s another indulgent wallow in shameless nostalgia so Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 years4 years ago

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RSS Intergalactic Craic
  • The Safest Dinner Party of 2020
    For the last episode of Season 1, Heather and Courtney suggest their ideal astronomy guests to a dinner party. They cover some of humanity's greatest astronomical achievements as well as discuss some of the rumours surrounding a particular famous astronomer's party behaviour! Need Some Space?
  • Turning Back The Clock - The History of AOP
    Join Heather and Special Guest Host Dr Rok Nezic as they delve into the archives and discuss the history of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium through their favourite objects. Clocks, books, instruments and rooms, they've got it all covered, and they have a bit of craic along the way.
  • Vampires, Zombies and... Bowties? Oh My!
    This week Intergalactic Craic has some added spook for your Autumn. Vampire stars, zombie stars and spooky nebulae will all be discussed by Courtney and Heather. Need Some Space?
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Welcome to Astronotes

Hello and welcome to Astronotes, the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s official blog. Here you will find the latest news and views from all those who work in our organisation, from the fascinating worlds of astronomy and space exploration. We hope you will come here to learn what is hot and exciting, profound or even weird from worlds beyond ours . So that's the introduction out of the way, now on with the Universe!

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