Thursday, 31 January 2013

Space science


Dear CAS coordinator and IB students                                                     

Some of the IB CAS students at Grenaa Gymnasium and IB World School are interested in space science and would like to collect money - primarily at our school - for the Danish space program called Copenhagen Suborbitals. I write this letter to inquire if there are other IB students here in Denmark who would like to participate in this project as a part of their own CAS activities.

Copenhagen Suborbitals is the only open source space program in the world. It is financed by donations and sponsorships only. Today 678 private persons, primarily engineers and private enthusiasts, pay 100 kr/month for economic support. There are also companies and financially resourceful private persons who assist with one-time donations or with specialized equipment for rocket and space craft production.

It took some time before the organization got the respect it deserves but today it receives global attention. With sufficient support Copenhagen Suborbitals may very well have the world’s by far cheapest rocket launch system ready in about 5-10 years. If this happens the implied economic paradigm shift will revolutionize the space launch business and make it possible for universities and high schools to be involved in actual space science.

The IB students of today will therefore most likely even benefit from this service themselves – if they are interested in studying space related subjects or even working in the future space industry. If for no other reason the space industry is globally known to be a solid engine for economic growth.


Organization homepage:

Blogs:

Sketch of the world’s first open source space rocket: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/09/tycho-deep-space-ii-concept-poster/

The guy who is in charge of building the rocket has already built the world’s largest amateur submarine:

Prototype of the world’s first amateur liquid propellant rocket engine:

Testing the launch escape system (LES) for the future space capsule:

Example of their smaller rocket launches used to develop the technology:

Launch of their biggest rocket yet:



For those who live near Copenhagen there will be a huge rocket engine test 11th November: http://raketvenner.dk/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/motortest.pdf

If you are interested in this IB CAS initiative and want to participate please contact me on mail address jt@grenaa-gym.dk. I will establish contact between you and some of our CAS students here at Grenaa Gymnasium and IB World School.

Best regards,
Jens Toft

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