Astronomy Cast Ep. 802: Mission Tech Series: Rocket & Spacecraft 411
Sep 28, 2026
A new deep dive begins into rockets and spacecraft, from engines and staging to fairings, navigation, communications, and space debris. The discussion explores shifting launch markets, reusable vehicles, methane fuels, commercial spaceflight, global competition, spacecraft essentials, ion propulsion, and laser communications. Future installments will trace rocket technology from tip to tail.
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A Rocket Series From Engines To Space Debris
- The series will examine rockets and spacecraft component by component, from engines and stages through guidance, propulsion, observation, and debris management.
- Dr. Pamela Gay’s planned sequence moves from the rocket’s base toward spacecraft systems, including fairings, docking hardware, reaction wheels, ion drives, nuclear rockets, and light sails.
Launch Access Is Entering An Uncertain Era
- Launch access is entering an uncertain period as Falcon 9 production winds down, Starship remains unproven for many missions, and other systems face delays or limited availability.
- Meanwhile, Japan, India, and China are expanding launch opportunities, including Japan’s MMX mission during the current Mars launch window.
Methane Could Make Rocket Fuel Carbon Neutral
- Rocket development has changed substantially through fuel choices rather than fundamentally new physics, with liquid methane gaining attention and hydrazine being phased down.
- Methane could theoretically become carbon-neutral if synthesized from atmospheric carbon dioxide and water, but natural gas remains cheaper and readily available.