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DARPA's ALASA Could Pave Way For Cheaper, Faster Satellite Launches
hypnosec writes DARPA is all set to take its Airborne Launch Assist Space Access module (ALASA) program to the next level after the program has shown promising results toward its mission of sending 100-pound satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) for just $1 million per launch."
ALASA is a new program that seeks to streamline production and encourage re-usability and interchangeability in satellite systems.
From your link:
Failures of the 21-meter wingspan, multi-lobe composite material fuel cells during pressure testing ultimately led to its cancellation as a federal program in 2001. Lockheed Martin has conducted unrelated testing, and has had a single success after a string of failures as recently as 2009 using a 2 meter scale model
A 2-meter scale model of a suborbital craft doesn't sound like we're close to SSTO at all.
The F-18 has a big advantage because it can go a lot faster. Besides, it makes sense to first solve the problems on a smaller and cheaper platform.
First, it is an F-15E, not a F-18. The primary reason for the choice is the fact that there are no modifications needed to be used in this role (not even software - the rocket will use the same protocols that the typically mounted weapons systems use). This means that the aircraft can continue to be used in their primary role instead of having to be specialized just for this role.
As for why this project is not looking a larger launch platform - the project is specifically trying to make it easier to get small satellites into orbit (normally today these type of satellites are launched piggybacked onto larger launches - meaning they have to wait for one to be launching in an area that is useful for them). Many launch platforms today are actually cheaper per lb in getting things into orbit - but because they have to have much bigger payloads to reach those efficiencies you can wind up having to wait for a scheduled launch that may mean waiting as much as a year to get a satellite launched (compared to a possible 24 hour turn-around with this system)
You are aware that mentally ill people and drug addicts are always going to spend whatever cash they are given, and remain homeless, right?
Those are a small minority of poor people. Even regular drug users can manage their lives if the basic needs are fulfilled. If they can't deal with cash, don't give them cash but free housing, food and medication.
> You are aware that mentally ill people and drug addicts are always going to spend whatever cash they are given
You have obviously no clue.
You are aware that mentally ill people and drug addicts are always going to spend whatever cash they are given, and remain homeless, right?
You are aware that you're both mischaracterizing what was said and that you're spouting nonsense, right? The GP didn't say "throw money at mentally ill and drug-addicted homeless people".
Ad you realize that poverty is defined as a certain percentage of the population at the bottom end of the bell curve, right?
Not legally it's not. Economics... life in general, in fact, isn't the kind of zero-sum game you seem to be implying it is. Poverty is defined by a number of guidelines. There are a number of factors. Whether the subject actually has adequate nutrition is an important one. Under those guidelines, 16% of Americans and 20% of American children live in poverty.
And you're aware that basic health care is already fixed, and was before the ACA, sincethe hospitals are legally required to treat you if you present at the ER, right?
What idiot/liar keeps spreading this load of nonsense around? Hospitals are legally required to _stabilize_ you! That means that, if you show up dying of something acute, they have to take you in, but can kick you out the door the moment you're not in critical condition anymore. If you show up, for example, with a terminal case of cancer, they don't have to treat, or even diagnose your cancer. If you have immediate, life-threatening symptoms, they have to provide some treatment for those symptoms. In a practical sense, it pretty much just means that they have to provide a bed for you to die in when you're ready to drop. I'm not sure they're even legally required to provide painkillers for someone dying in excruciating pain. The laws you're talking about are basically just to stop people dropping dead in the ER, and they don't even manage to stop that from happening sometimes.