Why GO Into Space?

Why are companies lining up ON EARTH to send experiments into SPACE?

Why can't these companies just do their experiments in a lab on earth?

In this segment, Dr. Derek Mueller, asks why astronauts in the space station are weightless. The most common answer is because there is no gravity in space. But of course there is gravity in space, especially where the space station is located (only about 400km from Earth's surface). So astronauts still experience a gravitational pull - it's just that they and the space station are in free fall so they are accelerating together towards the Earth. The space station doesn't crash into the Earth because of its orbital velocity - it's going 28,000 km/h so as it falls, the Earth curves away from it. Source: Veritasium

Gravity, gravity everywhere...

OUR STORY

The International Space Station, satellites, and spaceships are all free falling just like a sky diver.

Learn about the testing of the first spacesuit. The balloon had no forward momentum so gravity was still "felt." Remember, if the ISS were to slow down from 17,500 mph (28,000 km/h), it would immediately start to reenter the atmosphere. When a spacecraft such as Dragon, or Starliner, or Dreamchaser returns to earth, it must first slow down from its 17,500 mph orbital velocity.

Source: National Museum of the US Airforce

You've probably seen beautiful photos of Earth and the other planets in our solar system. Those photos were often captured by spacecraft – robotic explorers doing their work far away from Earth. But how exactly do we send these spacecraft so far away? Well, it all starts with a rocket.

Comprehension Questions:

1. True or False: A rocket needs to get going to 17,500+ MPH to thrust into Earth’s atmosphere and stay in orbit.

2. An object in space that orbits around a large object is called a ___________.

3. What is the name of the circular path that satellites follow around Earth?

4. The balance of forward momentum (at over 17,000 mph) and _________ can keep a satellite in orbit for many years. Source: NASA Space Place

A: 1-True 2-satellite 3-orbit 4-gravity

CONGRATULATIONS! You now understand something that 97% of very smart people don't understand.

A company operating from a spaceport can make new medicines and pharmaceuticals

Let's review!

The environment of space is unique. IT CANNOT BE DUPLICATED ON EARTH except for a few seconds in drop chambers and zero-g parabolic flights.
Even though there is gravity, it is not evident to the astronaut, spacecraft, or experiment because the force of gravity is equalized by the forward momentum force (a velocity over 17,000 mph). NASA does not use the term weightlessness much anymore. NASA calls a satellite's or spacecraft's orbit a place of "microgravity."
The microgravity environment of something or someone in orbit is very similar to a skydiver during a freefall.
An orbit is a circular path by an object around a large body (such as Earth) where the gravity at the object is equal to the forward momentum (velocity) of the object. It is a balance of two forces.
To reach an orbit, a rocket launches vertically from the surface, goes straight up, and then pitches over to follow the curve of the earth. This pitch over for example at Georgia's spaceport would be at an altitude of 80,000 feet.
You are now starting to understand why a company would spend tens of thousands to millions of dollars to build a rocket to put an experiment into orbit.
Now let's become experts on the types of scientific breakthroughs that can happen because there is a spaceport in Georgia.

In this video from NASA and JAXA, you will learn about experiments on board the International Space Station. But did you know that the same type of research could be done from a satellite launched from Georgia? This is why the Commercial Space Industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. This is why Georgia wants to embrace this new industry. If you take the time to understand this video, you will be able to explain why the Commercial Space Industry is a very valuable asset to all of Georgia's citizens.

Congratulations! You are in the top 3% in the general public seeking to understand why it is important to send experiments into space. For the boys with DMS (and really for all of us), it is about an improved quality of life.

What happens when you contact us here...

If you are a student under 18, please do not fill out this form. Instead, let a parent or guardian sign up for you. A teacher can sign up for your class.
You will not be added to a mailing list or subscribed to anything.
We will use the information only for the purpose of counting you as one of our strong supporters of the Commercial Space Industry in Georgia. We want to show how strong in number we are. Eventually we hope to have free decals to give away to Georgia Space Technology fans. Go to TEAM to request a speaker visit.
As such a supporter, we encourage you look us up from time to time to see the latest news.
This is your site for your education and advancement of knowledge.
Thank you for being a leader in the Georgia Commercial Space Industry to create jobs close to home!

If you represent a commercial space company, a governmental organization, or you are a citizen who just wants to be officially heard, please contact the Camden County Commissioners directly at 912-576-5601. Leave your contact information with them or just encourage them to complete the project with an operational spaceport.

Your voice of support and encouragement makes a HUGE difference.

Camden County Board of Commissioners

CALL TO LEAVE AN ENCOURAGING MESSAGE: 912-576-5601

This is not an official government website.

By checking the box saying you would like to get a GEORGIA SPACE License Plate, you join the future list that will be used to contact you to initiate the process with the State. This tag is only a concept at this time and is unofficial. Typically a couple of thousand persons must show interest for the State to design the plate. We are planning for proceeds (above the normal state fees) from the sale of the plate go to county schools robotics or rocketry programs (95%) and Thiokol Memorial Project, Inc.(5%). For example, a plate bought in Chatham County will have 95% of proceeds go to schools in Chatham County for their robotics or rocketry programs.