NASA Tests All-Composite Prototype Crew Module 67
coondoggie writes "With an eye toward building safer, lighter and tougher spacecraft, NASA said today its prototype space crew module made up of composite materials handled tests simulating structural stresses of launch and atmospheric reentry. The idea behind NASA's Composite Crew Module project is to test new structural materials for possible future NASA spacecraft. According to NASA, composite materials are being looked at because they are stiff and lightweight and can be formed into complex shapes that may be more structurally efficient. In space travel, where every additional pound of weight drives costs higher, any weight savings provides increased payload capacity and potentially reduces mission expense."
SMACK! (Score:4, Interesting)
My only concern is how well the honeycomb material handles impacts (everything from birds to micrometeorites...). My experience is that composites have a very narrow elastic region in the stress-strain curve, then they snap. Also they tend to be brittle rather than bendable, causing them to shatter under impact. But I'm sure NASA knows what they're doing...
Re:Taking notes from the bicycle industry (Score:1, Interesting)
not taking notes from the bicycle industry
I was building gliders back in the 60's made of fiberglass and carbon fiber and even before bikes were using carbon fiber I had friends who built 100% airframe carbon fiber gliders.
Well I did see bikes made out of bamboo in the 70's I guess those could be consider carbon :)