Berita terbaru untuk lagu | tangga lagu | rilis lagu | Lirik Lagu | Arti Lagu, dll yang diupdate terus dan selalu terbaru

Sunday 30 March 2008

Hondamatic Electronically-controlled, hydraulic mechanical automatic transmission with infinitely variable reduction ratio

Honda’s unique, electronically-controlled HMT called “Hondamatic” has been born from the strenuous R&D efforts over a long period of time to realize the ultimate easy driving that is gentle to the people.

With an aim at providing more people with the fun in motorcycling, Honda has been developing various types of automatic transmissions. The hurdles are especially high for an automatic transmission for large motorcycles to satisfy a variety of requirements under various conditions such as when engine braking, when in partially-opened throttle, etc. along with the needs of durability, efficiency, and compactness. Through the R&D efforts over a long period of time, Honda has developed the hydraulic mechanical transmission called HMT, which efficiently uses the power transmission capabilities of both hydraulic and mechanical systems, as the technology that opens up a new possibility of an automatic transmission. Honda started the development of HMT in the 1950’s and applied it to motocross machines in order to polish the system through the real-world of motorcycle racing. In the year 2000, the electronic control system was added, and thus developed a strong and easy-to-use, high-performance automatic transmission named “Hondamatic”, which was applied it to the ATV (all terrain vehicle). Explained hereafter is the development history of the unique HMT and its mechanism.


Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 4:46 am

Hondamatic Electronically-controlled, hydraulic mechanical automatic transmission with infinitely variable reduction ratio

Honda’s unique, electronically-controlled HMT called “Hondamatic” has been born from the strenuous R&D efforts over a long period of time to realize the ultimate easy driving that is gentle to the people.

With an aim at providing more people with the fun in motorcycling, Honda has been developing various types of automatic transmissions. The hurdles are especially high for an automatic transmission for large motorcycles to satisfy a variety of requirements under various conditions such as when engine braking, when in partially-opened throttle, etc. along with the needs of durability, efficiency, and compactness. Through the R&D efforts over a long period of time, Honda has developed the hydraulic mechanical transmission called HMT, which efficiently uses the power transmission capabilities of both hydraulic and mechanical systems, as the technology that opens up a new possibility of an automatic transmission. Honda started the development of HMT in the 1950’s and applied it to motocross machines in order to polish the system through the real-world of motorcycle racing. In the year 2000, the electronic control system was added, and thus developed a strong and easy-to-use, high-performance automatic transmission named “Hondamatic”, which was applied it to the ATV (all terrain vehicle). Explained hereafter is the development history of the unique HMT and its mechanism.


Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 4:46 am

Advanced brake introduced for motorcycles by Honda ahead of others

Honda adopted a front wheel disk brake for mass-produced motorcycles for the first time in the world in 1969 and realized high braking performance required by the trend for larger size and higher speed motorcycles. Later on, the front and rear wheel interlocking brake systems (CBS) were mounted on mass-produced motorcycles, which were developed through participating in endurance races. Subsequently, advanced brake systems such as dual CBS, ABS and combined ABS were developed one after another and installed on mass-produced models.

Disk brakes for mass-produced motorcycles for the first time in the world
To be cited as the first case of improvement in brake controllability is the front wheel disk brake system installed on the CB750FOUR in 1969. The disk brake system applied to mass-produced motorcycles for the first time in the world enabled the achievement of high braking performance, meeting with the trend at that time for larger size and higher speed motorcycles. CB750
CBS was born from endurance races: Front and rear wheel interlocked brake
Honda started involvement with CBS through racing. The RCB1000, started in 1976 and won consecutive victories in endurance races, was equipped with a pedal brake CBS which worked effectively on the front and rear wheels simultaneously. The objective was to reduce rider fatigue while in a long competition lasting 24 hours. RCB1000
Expansion of models equipped with CBS and ABS
Models equipped with CBS and ABS
This chronological table shows mass-produced models equipped with advanced brake systems. CBS was first installed on the GL1200 in 1982. In 1993, dual CBS was developed for more sporty models and installed on the CBR1000F. The use of CBS then expanded to a number of models. ABS, on the other hand, was installed for the first time on the ST1100 in 1992. It was combined with CBS in 1996 referred to as combined ABS. In 2003, a newly developed, compact and lightweight combined ABS was installed on the Silver Wing and paved the way for installation on many more models.

Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 4:44 am

Advanced brake introduced for motorcycles by Honda ahead of others

Honda adopted a front wheel disk brake for mass-produced motorcycles for the first time in the world in 1969 and realized high braking performance required by the trend for larger size and higher speed motorcycles. Later on, the front and rear wheel interlocking brake systems (CBS) were mounted on mass-produced motorcycles, which were developed through participating in endurance races. Subsequently, advanced brake systems such as dual CBS, ABS and combined ABS were developed one after another and installed on mass-produced models.

Disk brakes for mass-produced motorcycles for the first time in the world
To be cited as the first case of improvement in brake controllability is the front wheel disk brake system installed on the CB750FOUR in 1969. The disk brake system applied to mass-produced motorcycles for the first time in the world enabled the achievement of high braking performance, meeting with the trend at that time for larger size and higher speed motorcycles. CB750
CBS was born from endurance races: Front and rear wheel interlocked brake
Honda started involvement with CBS through racing. The RCB1000, started in 1976 and won consecutive victories in endurance races, was equipped with a pedal brake CBS which worked effectively on the front and rear wheels simultaneously. The objective was to reduce rider fatigue while in a long competition lasting 24 hours. RCB1000
Expansion of models equipped with CBS and ABS
Models equipped with CBS and ABS
This chronological table shows mass-produced models equipped with advanced brake systems. CBS was first installed on the GL1200 in 1982. In 1993, dual CBS was developed for more sporty models and installed on the CBR1000F. The use of CBS then expanded to a number of models. ABS, on the other hand, was installed for the first time on the ST1100 in 1992. It was combined with CBS in 1996 referred to as combined ABS. In 2003, a newly developed, compact and lightweight combined ABS was installed on the Silver Wing and paved the way for installation on many more models.

Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 4:44 am

CBS (combined brake system for front and rear wheels) and ABS for motorcycles

Ideas of Honda put in CBS, ABS and Combined ABS for motorcycles

From it's very beginning, Honda has been actively tackling with the issue of safety. Safety of motorcycles can be largely classified into two stages, active safety and passive safety. The brake in particular can be said to be very important in active safety.

The aim of developing the brake is to secure a high effect with good controllability. It is necessary to achieve the goal to heighten three areas; controllability, convenience and the sense of confidence for the average rider. With respect to controllability, at first the improvement of conventional brake systems can be cited, which will include the development of a disk brake system for motorcycles for the first time in the world and the development of sintered friction materials. In regards to convenience, the second area, we have begun the development of a combined brake system (CBS) ahead of others and are now tackling the task of an easier way of distributing braking force between the front and rear wheels. This is related to the improvement of controllability mentioned in the beginning. As for the enhancement of the sense of confidence, the third, we aimed at preventing wheel lock and came up with the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Furthermore, in docking CBS and ABS, we developed a combined ABS which enhanced the respective effects.

Positioning CBS, ABS and combined ABS as those contributing to the manufacture of motorcycles with the sense of confidence, Honda aims at adopting and expanding them to many more models as an advanced brake system.


Patent about the ABS The patent for ABS was applied by Soichiro Honda, the founder, in 1959. At the time Honda did not handle the development of automobiles. The application enables one to acquire some idea about the brake for motorcycles.

Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 4:42 am

CBS (combined brake system for front and rear wheels) and ABS for motorcycles

Ideas of Honda put in CBS, ABS and Combined ABS for motorcycles

From it's very beginning, Honda has been actively tackling with the issue of safety. Safety of motorcycles can be largely classified into two stages, active safety and passive safety. The brake in particular can be said to be very important in active safety.

The aim of developing the brake is to secure a high effect with good controllability. It is necessary to achieve the goal to heighten three areas; controllability, convenience and the sense of confidence for the average rider. With respect to controllability, at first the improvement of conventional brake systems can be cited, which will include the development of a disk brake system for motorcycles for the first time in the world and the development of sintered friction materials. In regards to convenience, the second area, we have begun the development of a combined brake system (CBS) ahead of others and are now tackling the task of an easier way of distributing braking force between the front and rear wheels. This is related to the improvement of controllability mentioned in the beginning. As for the enhancement of the sense of confidence, the third, we aimed at preventing wheel lock and came up with the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Furthermore, in docking CBS and ABS, we developed a combined ABS which enhanced the respective effects.

Positioning CBS, ABS and combined ABS as those contributing to the manufacture of motorcycles with the sense of confidence, Honda aims at adopting and expanding them to many more models as an advanced brake system.


Patent about the ABS The patent for ABS was applied by Soichiro Honda, the founder, in 1959. At the time Honda did not handle the development of automobiles. The application enables one to acquire some idea about the brake for motorcycles.

Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 4:42 am

The newly developed PGM-FI (electronic fuel injection) system for small motorcycles

The development of an ECU-integrated throttle body module for an electronic fuel injection system for small motorcycles

Honda has a goal to reduce the total emissions of HC (hydro-carbon) from new vehicles to approximately 1/3 and to further improve the average fuel economy by approximately 30% (both from 1995) by the year 2005. To realize the goal, we at Asaka R&D Center considered that the small motorcycles used in many countries in the world should be improved further for clean exhaust gas and low fuel consumption. Accordingly, we have started development of the PGM-FI system for small motorcycles with engines of 125cc or smaller, including air-cooled engines.

To ensure clean exhaust gas and high fuel economy, the control of combustion through an accurate fuel supply is a must. As the conventional FI system (electronic fuel injection system) applied to motorcycles is bulky and costly, its application has been mostly in large motorcycles using multi-cylinder engines. In the newly developed PGM-FI, in order to apply to small displacement models, the obstacles have been eliminated by fully using Honda's techniques to down-size components as well as making maximum use of the FI techniques attained from the large motorcycles. The compact PGM-FI offers new benefits such as the reduction of released environmentally detrimental substances and the improvement of driveablity, economy, etc.

*PGM-FI is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 4:39 am

The newly developed PGM-FI (electronic fuel injection) system for small motorcycles

The development of an ECU-integrated throttle body module for an electronic fuel injection system for small motorcycles

Honda has a goal to reduce the total emissions of HC (hydro-carbon) from new vehicles to approximately 1/3 and to further improve the average fuel economy by approximately 30% (both from 1995) by the year 2005. To realize the goal, we at Asaka R&D Center considered that the small motorcycles used in many countries in the world should be improved further for clean exhaust gas and low fuel consumption. Accordingly, we have started development of the PGM-FI system for small motorcycles with engines of 125cc or smaller, including air-cooled engines.

To ensure clean exhaust gas and high fuel economy, the control of combustion through an accurate fuel supply is a must. As the conventional FI system (electronic fuel injection system) applied to motorcycles is bulky and costly, its application has been mostly in large motorcycles using multi-cylinder engines. In the newly developed PGM-FI, in order to apply to small displacement models, the obstacles have been eliminated by fully using Honda's techniques to down-size components as well as making maximum use of the FI techniques attained from the large motorcycles. The compact PGM-FI offers new benefits such as the reduction of released environmentally detrimental substances and the improvement of driveablity, economy, etc.

*PGM-FI is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 4:39 am

Mandriva 2008 is available on USB

We spoke about it on several occasions on GNT, Mandriva markets a USB embarking its distribution Linux. Baptized Mandriva Flash, it proposes 4 GB of storage space. 1 GB being reserved with the system and the applications and 3 GB being used for the data storage of the user.

For recall, it contains the following elements:

· The Linux core

· Graphic environment KDE

· The X.org waiter

· Compiler GCC

· The navigator Web Mozilla Firefox

· Telephone software by Internet Ekiga

· The office automation continuation OpenOffice.org

· Software of final improvement photo The Gimp

· The RealPlayer multimedia player

· The audio readers Amarok and KMPlayer

· The reader FlashPlayer flash

· Software of burning CD/DVD K3b

A new version based on Mandriva 2008 was born there is little. It is posted with $89, costs carriage included, and you will be able to acquire it on the online shop of Mandriva. Envisage a deadline from 5 to 7 days for the delivery.


Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 3:19 am

Microsoft: large security update for Excel

The third Patch Tuesday of the year for Microsoft has been marked with the seal of office. All the newsletters, all described as critical (vulnerabilities exploitable remotely), in fact relate to the office suite from Microsoft. Particularly in the line of fire safely, the Excel spreadsheet with no fewer than seven vulnerabilities assigning to varying degrees.

The case is set Excel

According to Microsoft, the update given to Excel fixes September vulnerabilities that allow remote code execution when open by the targeted user of a file specifically designed with the inherent risk of taking control of vulnerable system. The vulnerabilities result from errors in the way Excel validates data when opening a file, processes the data when importing files, handles formulas or macros.

In January, Microsoft had already warned about attacks exploiting a loophole 0-day identified in Microsoft Office Excel 2000 SP3, Office Excel 2002 SP3, Office Excel 2003 SP2, Office Excel 2003 and Excel 2004 for the Mac, which is now closed. Also note that Excel 2007 is also concerned by the security update.

In addition to Excel, which represents the lion’s share of the cake, updates are sent for:

· Outlook: Vulnerability due to a processing error at some URIs “mailto:” Outlook 2007 is concerned.

· Office 2000 SP3, XP SP3, 2003 SP2 and Office 2004 for Mac: Two vulnerabilities.

· Office Web Components 2000: Two vulnerabilities due to corruption of memory with regard to the mismanagement of certain malformed data such as a URL.

http://www.softwaretipspalace.com



Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 3:17 am

Microsoft Hyper-V available in RC1

Microsoft has announced the availability of Release Candidate version of its Hypervisor house, named Hyper-V. It is a reminder to the technology editor at the centre of its strategy in the area of virtualization.

The Release Candidate is obviously an important step, but a beta version of Hyper-V was already available with Windows Server 2008 and usable in its current state. Work continued and here is a list of major improvements between the beta and RC:

Stability and ease of grip improved:

· Users can now install the MMC Hyper-V on Vista SP1 to remotely control the operation of the Hyper-V systems

· Improved stability for large workloads

· Partly translated into German and Japanese

· Ability to enable Hyper-V without constraint language of the system (the interface will be in English of course)

Enhanced support of the host Windows Server 2008 with the addition of 64-bit editions

New systems invited supported:

· Windows Server 2003 x86 with two virtual processors

· Vista SP1 x86

· Windows XP SP3 x86

· The modules of integrating these systems are provided in the RC

Enhanced performance:

· Best performance for the management of workloads

· Best reconnaissance equipment

· Virtualization generally faster

Overall, all versions of Windows since XP are supported as guests systems. Technically speaking, any Linux distribution should operate smoothly, although only what the distribution SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 is certified (versions 32 and 64 bits). Development continues and the final version should bear a greater number of systems.

Regarding support for Linux distributions, the partnership between Novell and Microsoft is of course behind certification for SLES 10. For other systems, Microsoft has been working with XenSource, which has since been bought by Citrix. All distributions incorporating the Xen virtualization solution will be taken care of without any changes or action.

Another difference with the beta: Release Candidate is open to the public, although it must obviously possess any version of Windows Server 2008. All those who already have such a system and the beta Hyper-V can go to this page to read the detailed steps of the installation.

All available information on Hyper-V is accessible from the official page. To download, it should be noted that the Release Candidate should be available soon via Windows Update, as well as separate download.


Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 3:15 am

Internet Explorer 8: new features in Firefox

Last week, Microsoft released an unexpected first beta version of Internet Explorer 8, which is available for all users curious to find out a little more about the future of the Redmond flagship browser, number one in the field. In addition to improved compliance with web standards, a few new features have been introduced. Probably not otherwise generate a hint of admiration of the Mozilla community, as evidenced by with an extension is appropriate in record time.

Features of IE8 suited to the sauce Firefox

Among the features IE8, called Activities provides context for a dynamic interaction with the content displayed by a web page. According to a text box selected, it is possible to launch a service in line as a research Live Maps. A certain Michael Kaply (IBM employee) who designed an extension Operator for Firefox 2.0 - 3.0, was based on the latter to implement in Firefox (via an extension) that feature Activities, and the same day that she was unveiled. Kaply took advantage of micro formats standards already supported by Firefox and other open source browsers.

Similarly, the functionality WebSlices of IE8 underway in this adaptation under Firefox. Combining RSS and Widget, WebSlices can subscribe to dynamic content directly from the browser.

For the moment, IE8 has no substance to worry unduly Firefox and community. Version 0.3 (test version) of Microsoft Activities for Firefox is available on the blog by Michael Kaply.


Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 3:13 am

Microsoft will provide Adobe Flash Lite with Windows Mobile

Microsoft has just signed an important agreement with Adobe. Although the total amount has not been disclosed, the software giant will now automatically provide Flash Lite and Adobe Reader with its Windows Mobile platform for manufacturers of mobile phones.

Recall that Flash Lite is a special edition of the Adobe technology aimed at mobile phones and other portable devices, lighter and less greedy to suit the constraints of autonomy and portability. For Microsoft, it is a logical move. Scott Rockfeld, one of the leaders of the mobile communications business, said that Flash technology is a must on the web.

It must be said that Microsoft has clear ambitions for its software platform. Indeed, while 11 million Windows Mobile phones were sold in 2007, the firm has to sell twice this year. Targets that will not disrupt Adobe, since the latter announced that the last year alone has seen take nearly 500 million mobile phones equipped with Flash.

It should be noted that this announcement took place in the midst of propulsion Silverlight provided that the publisher can. However, support for Flash Lite responds to a need (or almost) in the market.


Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 3:10 am

Messenger Plus! Live: new version to download

Messenger Plus! Live is remembered for an extension for the instant messaging client Windows Live Messenger. Completely free it can be added to instant messaging client Microsoft, archiving advanced discussions through the tabs, custom alerts, security and control of privacy. Recently, a version 4.60.324 was put online.

Among the news and corrections that this new version announcement, it should be noted:

· The ability to filter in historical events

· The assumption now complete discussions with mobile devices

· The number of warnings is over time if there is too much of a coup

· The notifications of events are now using sounds WMA

· Support for Windows Live Messenger 9.0 beta

· The correction of several bugs which could lead to the crash Software

· The correction of the bug resulting in the lock button or authorization contacts that did not work when several sessions were open with the function polygamy

· The appearance (or skin) can now automatically change depending on the day, month or year

Download Messenger Live! More from the official site


Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 3:05 am

How to connect your home computer from Remote location?

Using the Remote Desktop feature, you can connect your home computer (host) from any other remote computer (client) and can access all computer resources (installed programs, data and any network resources). You can run any computer application on the remote computer as you were running actually sitting in front of home computer.

Follow the given steps to configure your computer to connect remote computer:

To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

To perform this task, first make sure your both computers are connected to the internet.

First you have to configure the host computer that allows the users to connect it remotely. On the host computer, right click on "My computer" and click on Properties option.

Under the Remote tab, select the option "Allow users to connect remotely to this computer" and click Ok button.

Now get the IP address of host computer (type the "ipconfig /all" on the command prompt of host computer to find IP address).

Now make a connection on remote or client computer, click on Start button, go to All Programs> Accessories, and Communications, then click on Remote Desktop Connection, option. A Remote Desktop Connection, dialog box will appear.


Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 3:03 am

Windows Hot shortcut keys

Win Press windows key to open start menu

Win+R Apply to open Run dialog box

Win+M Apply to minimize all opened windows

Win+Shift+M Apply to maximize all opened windows

Win+L Press keys to lock keyboard in windows XP

Win+E Press keys to open My Computer

Win+F Apply to open search options

Win+U Apply keys to open Utility Manager

Win+D To view desktop/minimize all windows

Win+F1 To view the detail windows help page

Win+Pause To view the System Properties dialog box

Win+Tab Move through taskbar programs

Win+F+Ctrl Apply to open search for computers

Alt+Tab Move through opened windows programs

Alt+F4 Press keys to close active windows program

Alt+Enter pply to open properties of selected item

Alt+ SPACEBAR Open the system menu of active window

Alt+ SPACEBAR +N Press keys to minimize the active programr

Alt+ SPACEBAR +R Press keys to restore the active program

Alt+ SPACEBAR+C Press keys to close the active program

Alt+ SPACEBAR+X Press keys to maximize the active program

Alt+ SPACEBAR+M Press keys to move the active program

Ctrl+Alt+Delete Apply to open windows task manager

Ctrl+Shift+Esc Apply to open windows task manager

Ctrl+Esc Press keys to open start menu

Shift Shift key to prevent CD from automatically playing

Shift+Delete To delete items permanently


Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 2:51 am

How to display the hidden settings of Nokia mobiles?

Today tip is about the secret codes of nokia mobile phones and will work on most of the latest nokia mobile sets.nYou can display the hidden information of mobile sets and troubleshoot the routine problems using these codes.

Follow the list of latest nokia codes list:

Code Action

*#7780# To restore the factory settings of mobile se

*#3283# To verify the set Manufacturing dat

*#746025625# To stop the sim cloc

*#67705646# Use to delete the operator log

*#73# Use to reset game scores and phone timer

*#0000# Use to display the mobile software version

*#06# To display the IMEI Number of the mobile

*#92702689# o display the mobile warranty related settings (Serial no, Made,

Purchasing date, Repaired date, Life time).

*#7760# To display the Production serial number

*#bta0# Use to display Bluetooth MAC address

*#9999# Use to display the mobile software version

*#147# If you are using Vodafone then this code will help you show the last call detail

*#2640# To display the mobile security code

*#7328748263373738# Apply to resets the set default security code

*#43# To verify the call waiting status

*#2820# To verify the Bluetooth information

*#7370# o format the mobile phone memory

*#delset# To delete the GPRS AND EMAIL settings

#pw+1234567890+1# To display the lock status of mobile set

#pw+1234567890+4# To display the lock status of your SIM


Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 2:43 am

Thursday 27 March 2008

Shuttle makes rare nighttime landing

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (AP) -- The space shuttle Endeavour and its crew of seven returned to Earth Wednesday, making a rare nighttime touchdown to wrap up "a two-week adventure" at the international space station

The shuttle swooped through the darkness and landed on NASA's illuminated runway at 8:39 p.m., an hour after sunset.

"Welcome home, Endeavour," Mission Control radioed. "Congrats to the entire crew."

Replied Endeavour's commander, Dominic Gorie: "It was a super-rewarding mission, exciting from the start to the ending." Watch Endeavour in rare night landing »

The shuttle's homecoming was a bit delayed.

Endeavour was supposed to land before sunset, but at virtually the last minute, clouds moved in. As the astronauts took an extra swing around the planet, the sky cleared enough to satisfy flight controllers and -- after asking Gorie for his opinion -- they gave him the green light to head home.

It was only the 22nd space shuttle landing in darkness. Fewer than one-fifth of all missions have ended at nighttime; the last one was in 2006.

[1] Don't Miss

· Endeavour shoots for Wednesday night landing

[2] Endeavour blasted off March 11 -- also in darkness -- on an ambitious, intense space station construction mission that had even its commander wondering at times how everything would go.

In the end, Gorie and his multinational crew accomplished everything they set out to do during their voyage, which spanned 16 days and 6.5 million miles. The astronauts installed the first piece of Japan's Kibo lab, put together a giant Canadian robot named Dextre, tested a shuttle repair technique and more.

"This has been a two-week adventure," said Gorie's co-pilot, Gregory Johnson. "It's been a pleasure and an honor to be on it and although we've had wonderful events and some great successes ... we're ready to get home."

The space station is now 70 percent complete, thanks to the latest additions, with a mass of nearly 600,000 pounds.

Ten more shuttle flights to the space station -- spread over the next two years -- will round out the numbers. NASA hopes to have its share of the orbiting outpost finished in 2010 and its three shuttles retired, so it can focus on human expeditions to the moon.

Discovery is scheduled to fly to the space station in late May, carrying up Japan's enormous Kibo lab. The fuel tank for that mission arrived at Kennedy Space Center Wednesday. Subsequent fuel tanks could get backed up, however, because of the design changes necessitated by the 2003 Columbia disaster.

NASA expects to have a better idea in another month whether it can keep the year's launches on track. Space shuttles are supposed to soar four more times in 2008, which would mean six missions for the year, a flight rate not seen since 2001.

Up on the space station, meanwhile, the three occupants are gearing up for next week's arrival of the European Space Agency's supply ship, Jules Verne. The unmanned cargo carrier -- the first of its kind -- rocketed away from French Guiana this month with a load of food, water and clothes.

Less than a week after that, on April 8, the Russians will launch a fresh space station crew from Kazakhstan.

NASA couldn't be more pleased with this space station traffic jam.

Returning aboard Endeavour was French Air Force Gen. Leopold Eyharts, who spent 1½ months aboard the space station, and Japanese astronaut Takao Doi, who accompanied his country's space station contribution to orbit.

Raising the Kibo lab's storage compartment from Endeavour's payload bay for attachment to the space station "was a great moment not only for me, but for Japan," Doi said late Tuesday. It was concrete evidence, finally, of the Japanese Space Agency's partnership in the longtime station project.

this news copied from : http://www.cnn.com




Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 4:14 am

Shuttle makes rare nighttime landing

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (AP) -- The space shuttle Endeavour and its crew of seven returned to Earth Wednesday, making a rare nighttime touchdown to wrap up "a two-week adventure" at the international space station

The shuttle swooped through the darkness and landed on NASA's illuminated runway at 8:39 p.m., an hour after sunset.

"Welcome home, Endeavour," Mission Control radioed. "Congrats to the entire crew."

Replied Endeavour's commander, Dominic Gorie: "It was a super-rewarding mission, exciting from the start to the ending." Watch Endeavour in rare night landing »

The shuttle's homecoming was a bit delayed.

Endeavour was supposed to land before sunset, but at virtually the last minute, clouds moved in. As the astronauts took an extra swing around the planet, the sky cleared enough to satisfy flight controllers and -- after asking Gorie for his opinion -- they gave him the green light to head home.

It was only the 22nd space shuttle landing in darkness. Fewer than one-fifth of all missions have ended at nighttime; the last one was in 2006.

[1] Don't Miss

· Endeavour shoots for Wednesday night landing

[2] Endeavour blasted off March 11 -- also in darkness -- on an ambitious, intense space station construction mission that had even its commander wondering at times how everything would go.

In the end, Gorie and his multinational crew accomplished everything they set out to do during their voyage, which spanned 16 days and 6.5 million miles. The astronauts installed the first piece of Japan's Kibo lab, put together a giant Canadian robot named Dextre, tested a shuttle repair technique and more.

"This has been a two-week adventure," said Gorie's co-pilot, Gregory Johnson. "It's been a pleasure and an honor to be on it and although we've had wonderful events and some great successes ... we're ready to get home."

The space station is now 70 percent complete, thanks to the latest additions, with a mass of nearly 600,000 pounds.

Ten more shuttle flights to the space station -- spread over the next two years -- will round out the numbers. NASA hopes to have its share of the orbiting outpost finished in 2010 and its three shuttles retired, so it can focus on human expeditions to the moon.

Discovery is scheduled to fly to the space station in late May, carrying up Japan's enormous Kibo lab. The fuel tank for that mission arrived at Kennedy Space Center Wednesday. Subsequent fuel tanks could get backed up, however, because of the design changes necessitated by the 2003 Columbia disaster.

NASA expects to have a better idea in another month whether it can keep the year's launches on track. Space shuttles are supposed to soar four more times in 2008, which would mean six missions for the year, a flight rate not seen since 2001.

Up on the space station, meanwhile, the three occupants are gearing up for next week's arrival of the European Space Agency's supply ship, Jules Verne. The unmanned cargo carrier -- the first of its kind -- rocketed away from French Guiana this month with a load of food, water and clothes.

Less than a week after that, on April 8, the Russians will launch a fresh space station crew from Kazakhstan.

NASA couldn't be more pleased with this space station traffic jam.

Returning aboard Endeavour was French Air Force Gen. Leopold Eyharts, who spent 1½ months aboard the space station, and Japanese astronaut Takao Doi, who accompanied his country's space station contribution to orbit.

Raising the Kibo lab's storage compartment from Endeavour's payload bay for attachment to the space station "was a great moment not only for me, but for Japan," Doi said late Tuesday. It was concrete evidence, finally, of the Japanese Space Agency's partnership in the longtime station project.

this news copied from : http://www.cnn.com




Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 4:14 am

Space-tourism race starts to heat up

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- A California aerospace company plans to enter the space tourism industry with a two-seat rocket ship capable of suborbital flights to altitudes more than 37 miles above the Earth.

The Lynx, about the size of a small private plane, is expected to begin flying in 2010, according to developer Xcor Aerospace, which planned to release details of the design at a news conference Wednesday.

The company also said that, pending the outcome of negotiations, the Air Force Research Laboratory has awarded it a research contract to develop and test features of the Lynx. No details were released.

Xcor's announcement comes two months after aerospace designer Burt Rutan and billionaire Richard Branson unveiled a model of SpaceShipTwo, which is being built for Branson's Virgin Galactic space tourism company and may begin test flights this year.

Xcor intends to be a spaceship builder, with another company operating the Lynx and setting prices.

The Lynx is designed to take off from a runway like a normal plane, reach a top speed of Mach 2 and an altitude of 200,000 feet, then descend in a circling glide to a runway landing.

Shaped something like a bulked-up version of the Rutan-designed Long-EZ homebuilt aircraft, its wings will be located toward the rear of the fuselage, with vertical winglets at the tips.

Powered by clean-burning, fully reuseable, liquid-fuel engines, the Lynx is expected to be capable of making several flights a day, Xcor said.

"We have designed this vehicle to operate much like a commercial aircraft," Xcor Chief Executive Officer Jeff Greason said in a statement.

Greason said the Lynx will provide affordable access to space for individuals and researchers, and future versions will offer improved capabilities for research and commercial uses.

Xcor has spent nine years developing rocket engines in a facility down the flightline from Rutan's Scaled Composites LLC at the Mojave Airport north of Los Angeles. It has built and flown two rocket-powered aircraft.

SpaceShipTwo is being developed on the success of SpaceShipOne, which in 2004 became the first privately funded, manned rocket to reach space, making three flights to altitudes between 62 miles and 69 miles and winning the $10 million Ansari X Prize.

Powered by a hybrid engine -- the gas nitrous oxide combined with rubber as a solid fuel -- SpaceShipTwo will be flown by two pilots and carry up to six passengers who will pay about $200,000 apiece for the ride.

Like its predecessor, SpaceShipTwo will be taken aloft by a carrier airplane and then released before firing its rocket engine. Virgin Galactic says passengers will experience about 4-1/2 minutes of weightlessness and will be able to unbuckle themselves to float in the cabin before returning to Earth as an unpowered glider.

Xcor's Lynx is also intended to return as a glider but with the capability of restarting its engine if needed.

This News copied from : http://www.cnn.com


Share/Save/Bookmark
Posted by: aroeltsm aroeltsm.blogspot.com, Updated at: 4:07 am

Post Populer