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      • Astronomy, space & time

        Zonnestelselmodel (Solar System Scale Model) 1:100 billion (Dutch)

        The perfect tool to learn all about our Solar System

        by Rob Walrecht

        This unique product is both a scale model and concise encyclopaedia of the Solar System in one! It consists of sixteen information-packed cards (10x12 cm or 4x5 inch), all pertaining to the Sun, the planets, the Moon, asteroids, comets and the new class to which Pluto now belongs, the dwarf planets. These cards are a quick way to learn all there is to know about these objects, as well as being ideal for youngsters, papers and talks! Primarily, however, it is an exquisite scale model (scale 1:100 billion) of our fascinating Solar System, presenting the best possible representation of the distances within our Solar System as well as the unimaginable emptiness of the universe. In this scale model, the Sun is the size of a marble (14 mm), Jupiter, which is at 8 m/26 ft from the Sun, as large as a plastic pin-head, the Earth (at 1.5 m/5 ft) as large a  grain of coarse sand, Mars (at 2.3 m/7.5 ft) as large a grain of fine sand and Pluto, which would now be at 47 m/155 ft from the Sun, as large as a dust particle... The scale model, when completely placed, is 64 m (210 ft) long. The closest next star is at 400 km (250 miles) from the Sun! The cards show the sizes of the Heavenly bodies at scale, as well as these sizes one hundred times ‘enlarged’, for better comparison of the members of our Solar System. Special standards to place them are included and the cards contain holes to be hung on the wall or from sticks. Available are an English version (with metric units), a US version (with inches, miles, Fahrenheit etc.) and a Dutch version.

      • Astronomy, space & time

        Solar System Scale Model 1:100 billion (US edition)

        The perfect tool to learn all about our Solar System

        by Rob Walrecht

        This unique product is both a scale model and concise encyclopaedia of the Solar System in one! It consists of sixteen information-packed cards (10x12 cm or 4x5 inch), all pertaining to the Sun, the planets, the Moon, asteroids, comets and the new class to which Pluto now belongs, the dwarf planets. These cards are a quick way to learn all there is to know about these objects, as well as being ideal for youngsters, papers and talks! Primarily, however, it is an exquisite scale model (scale 1:100 billion) of our fascinating Solar System, presenting the best possible representation of the distances within our Solar System as well as the unimaginable emptiness of the universe. This version is made for US customers, as the units used are inches, miles, Fahrenheit etc. In this scale model, the Sun is the size of a marble (14 mm), Jupiter, which is at 8 m/26 ft from the Sun, as large as a plastic pin-head, the Earth (at 1.5 m/5 ft) as large a  grain of coarse sand, Mars (at 2.3 m/7.5 ft) as large a grain of fine sand and Pluto, which would now be at 47 m/155 ft from the Sun, as large as a dust particle... The scale model, when completely placed, is 64 m (210 ft) long. The closest next star is at 400 km (250 miles) from the Sun! The cards show the sizes of the Heavenly bodies at scale, as well as these sizes one hundred times ‘enlarged’, for better comparison of the members of our Solar System. Special standards to place them are included and the cards contain holes to be hung on the wall or from sticks. Available are an English version (with metric units), a US version (with inches, miles, Fahrenheit etc.) and a Dutch version.

      • Astronomy, space & time

        Solar System Scale Model 1:100 billion (metric)

        The perfect tool to learn all about our Solar System

        by Rob Walrecht

        The perfect tool to learn all about our Solar System This unique product is both a scale model and concise encyclopaedia of the Solar System in one! It consists of sixteen information-packed cards (10x12 cm or 4x5 inch), all pertaining to the Sun, the planets, the Moon, asteroids, comets and the new class to which Pluto now belongs, the dwarf planets. These cards are a quick way to learn all there is to know about these objects, as well as being ideal for youngsters, papers and talks! Primarily, however, it is an exquisite scale model (scale 1:100 billion) of our fascinating Solar System, presenting the best possible representation of the distances within our Solar System as well as the unimaginable emptiness of the universe. In this scale model, the Sun is the size of a marble (14 mm), Jupiter, which is at 8 m/26 ft from the Sun, as large as a plastic pin-head, the Earth (at 1.5 m/5 ft) as large a  grain of coarse sand, Mars (at 2.3 m/7.5 ft) as large a grain of fine sand and Pluto, which would now be at 47 m/155 ft from the Sun, as large as a dust particle... The scale model, when completely placed, is 64 m (210 ft) long. The closest next star is at 400 km (250 miles) from the Sun! The cards show the sizes of the Heavenly bodies at scale, as well as these sizes one hundred times ‘enlarged’, for better comparison of the members of our Solar System. Special standards to place them are included and the cards contain holes to be hung on the wall or from sticks. Available are an English version (with metric units), a US version (with inches, miles, Fahrenheit etc.) and a Dutch version.

      • Astronomy, space & time

        Astroset 'Sterrenkunde is fun!'

        A set of three wonderful astronomical instruments for youngsters

        by Rob Walrecht

        This is a special set made for youngsters, and consisting of three products: the Solar System Scale Model (scale 1:100 billion), the build-it-yourself Star Wheel and the BIY Sundial. The Solar System Scale Model is a ready made product; the two BIY products are made of high quality 400 gram cardboard. It is a very instructive set, consisting of three veru special products.

      • Astronomy, space & time
        May 2013

        Genieten van de sterrenhemel

        ('Enjoying the Night Sky')

        by Rob Walrecht

        Covering everything that everyone should know about astronomy as it influences our daily lives: the day, the year, the seasons, the changing of the Moon’s ‘shape’, how the planets we see in the sky move, about the time we use, our calendar, the tides.  There are chapters about the Solar System, and stars and the Milky Way, subjects that are much more extensively treated in parts 2 and 3. Including much background information about constellations and star charts, and planispheres in particular. Also contains a wonderful observation programme per season, for the layman. It basically covers the heavens as we can observe it from Earth. First part of series of three, about astronomy (Enjoying Astronomy), for the general public. They are also useful as books for astronomy courses, and written for 12-14 years and up. About 100 wonderful pictures and 90 illustrations.

      • Astronomy, space & time
        July 2013

        Astronomy Posters

        Set of 6 posters about astronomy

        by Rob Walrecht

        The many illustrations in the three astronomy books of our 'Enjoying Astronomy' series are a real treasure and were used to publish a set of six astronomy posters (for now in Dutch only). The posters are coupled to the books: 2 posters made from illustrations of one book. The posters are: 1a. Alles beweegt! De bewegingen van Zon en Maan (Everything moves! The movements of the Sun and Moon). It is an overview of the major celestial movements, causing the ‘day’, the ýear’, the seasons, the phases of the Moon, eclipses and more. Size 50 x 70 cm. 1b. The Stars. Everything about stars: their sizes, colours and temperatures, brightness and more. . Size 50 x 70 cm. 2a. Overview of the Solar System. The Solar System in five steps, with the Inner Solar System (up to the Asteroid Belt; the Outer Solar System (the realm of the giant planets); the Kuiper Belt, the Inner Oort Cloud to the Outer Oort Cloud. Size 50 x 70 cm. 2b. The members of the Solar System; comparisons of groups of Solar System objects: the rocky planets, giants, dwarf planets (and candidate dwarf planets!) and satellites (‘moons’). Also a large ‘familie portrait’ with all the members of the Solar System of 1000 km diameter and larger. Finally the Solar System to scale (up to Neptune). Size 50 x 70 cm. 3a – The Universe. An overview of the Universe, in nine step, from the Inner Solar System to a distance of 1 billion light-years and then to the complete Universe. Size 45 x 95 cm, portrait. 3b. Radiation from the Universe. A complete Electromagnetic Spectrum, almost 1 metre wide.  Also contains a lot of interesting information about the astronomical importance of different wavelengths, with pictures of the great galaxy M 81 (Ursa Major) in radio wavelengths, infrared, visible light, UV, X-rays, gamma rays and combinations. Size 45 x 95 cm, landscape.

      • Astronomy, space & time
        June 2013

        Genieten van het zonnestelsel

        ('Enjoying the Solar System')

        by Rob Walrecht

        This book is like a ‘Grand Tour’ through the Solar System, with a very clear and logical build-up of the subjects, and the use of many specially made illustrations and (written or drawn) scale models. The most important processes that shaped our Solar System are described. This second part of the series takes the reader away from Earth, to discover our ‘neighbourhood’, the Solar System. Second part of series of three, about astronomy (Enjoying Astronomy), for the general public. They are also useful as books for astronomy courses, and written for 12-14 years and up. About 150 wonderful pictures and 60 illustrations

      • Astronomy, space & time
        June 2013

        Genieten van het heelal

        ('Enjoying the Universe')

        by Rob Walrecht

        This book is all about stars and galaxies. After describing the history of astronomy, the writer first explains electromagnetic radiation and matter. Than there is a chapter about distances and how we can measure them. Stars are described in two chapters: ‘from the outside’ (colours, brightness, size, etc.); and ‘their interior’ (how they work).  Chapter 7 is about the Milky Way, chapter 8 about all other galaxies (‘The Universe’). The last chapter is about how it all began, 13.7 billion years ago. This third part of the series takes as away from our Solar System, to go deeper into space, and into the matter! Third part of series of three, about astronomy (Enjoying Astronomy), for the general public. They are also useful as books for astronomy courses, and written for 12-14 years and up. About 125 wonderful pictures and 50 illustrations

      • Astronautics
        February 1992

        From Earth to Orbit

        An Assessment of Transportation Options

        by Committee on Earth-to-Orbit Transportation Options, Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board, Commission on Engineering and Technical Systems, National Research Council

        If the United States hopes to continue as a leader in space, it must invest now in better earth-to-orbit technology by replacing obsolete launch facilities while also developing a new class of more robust and reliable vehicles. From Earth to Orbit provides strategies to reduce launch costs while increasing the reliability and resilency of vehicles. It also recommends continued improvements for the Space Shuttle Orbiter and its subsystems and the development of a Space Transportation Main Engine (STME).

      • Space science
        January 1992

        Aeronautical Technologies for the Twenty-First Century

        by Committee on Aeronautical Technologies, National Research Council

        Prepared at the request of NASA, Aeronautical Technologies for the Twenty-First Century presents steps to help prevent the erosion of U.S. dominance in the global aeronautics market. The book recommends the immediate expansion of research on advanced aircraft that travel at subsonic speeds and research on designs that will meet expected future demands for supersonic and short-haul aircraft, including helicopters, commuter aircraft, "tiltrotor," and other advanced vehicle designs. These recommendations are intended to address the needs of improved aircraft performance, greater capacity to handle passengers and cargo, lower cost and increased convenience of air travel, greater aircraft and air traffic management system safety, and reduced environmental impacts.

      • Space science
        January 1994

        Understanding and Preventing Violence, Volume 2

        Biobehavioral Influences

        by Albert J. Reiss, Jr., Klaus A. Miczek, and Jeffrey A. Roth, Editors; Panel on the Understanding and Control of Violent Behaviors, National Research Council

        This volume contains commissioned reviews of research on biological influences on violent or aggressive behavior. The areas reviewed include genetic contributions to the probability of violent and related behaviors; brain structure and functioning as implicated in aggressive behavior; the roles of hormonal and neurological interactions in violent behavior; the neurochemistry of violence and aggression and its implications for the management of those behaviors; and dietary influences on violent behavior.

      • Space science
        June 1995

        Orbital Debris

        A Technical Assessment

        by Committee on Space Debris, National Research Council

        Since the beginning of space flight, the collision hazard in Earth orbit has increased as the number of artificial objects orbiting the Earth has grown. Spacecraft performing communications, navigation, scientific, and other missions now share Earth orbit with spent rocket bodies, nonfunctional spacecraft, fragments from spacecraft breakups, and other debris created as a byproduct of space operations. Orbital Debris examines the methods we can use to characterize orbital debris, estimates the magnitude of the debris population, and assesses the hazard that this population poses to spacecraft. Potential methods to protect spacecraft are explored. The report also takes a close look at the projected future growth in the debris population and evaluates approaches to reducing that growth. Orbital Debris offers clear recommendations for targeted research on the debris population, for methods to improve the protection of spacecraft, on methods to reduce the creation of debris in the future, and much more.

      • Space science
        April 2000

        Future Biotechnology Research on the International Space Station

        by Task Group for the Evaluation of NASA's Biotechnology Facility for the International Space Station; Space Studies Board; Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Applications; Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences; National Research Council

        Under current NASA plans, investigations in the area of biotechnology will be a significant component of the life sciences research to be conducted on the International Space Station (ISS). They encompass work on cell science and studies of the use of microgravity to grow high-quality protein crystals. Both these subdisciplines are advancing rapidly in terrestrial laboratories, fueled by federal and industrial research budgets that dwarf those of NASA's life science program. Forging strong and fruitful connections between the space investigations and laboratory-bench biologists, a continual challenge for NASA' s life sciences program, is thus of great importance to ensuring the excellence of ISS research. This report evaluates the plan for NASA's biotechnology facility on the ISS and the scientific context that surrounds it, and makes recommendations on how the facility can be made more effective. In addition to questions about optimizing the instrumentation, the report addresses strategies for enhancing the scientific impact and improving the outreach to mainstream terrestrial biology. No major redirection of effort is called for, but collectively the specific, targeted changes recommended by the task group would have a major effect on the conduct of biotechnology research in space.

      • Space science
        March 2000

        Streamlining Space Launch Range Safety

        by Committee on Space Launch Range Safety, Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board, National Research Council

        The U.S. space program is rapidly changing from an activity driven by federal government launches to one driven by commercial launches. In 1997, for the first time commercial launches outnumbered government launches at the Eastern Range (ER), located at Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida. Commercial activity is also increasing at the Western Range (WR), located at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The government itself is emulating commercial customers, shifting from direct management of launch programs to the purchase of space launch services from U.S. commercial launch companies in an open, competitive market. The fundamental goal of the U.S. space program is to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable access to space. Despite the inherent danger of space launches, the U.S. space program has demonstrated its ability to protect the public. No launch site worker or member of the general public has been killed or seriously injured in any of the 4,600 launches conducted at the ER and WR during the entire 50-year history of the space age. Streamlining Space Launch Range Safety discusses whether range safety processes can be made more efficient and less costly without compromising public safety. This report presents six primary recommendations, which address risk management, Africa gates, roles and responsibilities, range safety documentation [EWR 127-1]), global positioning system (GPS) receiver tracking systems, and risk standards for aircraft and ships.

      • Space science
        March 2000

        Engineering Challenges to the Long-Term Operation of the International Space Station

        by Committee on the Engineering Challenges to the Long-Term Operation of the International Space Station, Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board, National Research Council

        The International Space Station (ISS) is truly an international undertaking. The project is being led by the United States, with the participation of Japan, the European Space Agency, Canada, Italy, Russia, and Brazil. Russia is participating in full partnership with the United States in the fabrication of ISS modules, the assembly of ISS elements on orbit, and, after assembly has been completed, the day-to-day operation of the station. Construction of the ISS began with the launch of the Russian Zarya module in November 1998 followed by the launch of the U.S. Unity module in December 1998. The two modules were mated and interconnected by the crew of the Space Shuttle during the December flight, and the first assembled element of the ISS was in place. Construction will continue with the delivery of components and assembly on orbit through a series of 46 planned flights. During the study period, the Assembly Complete milestone was scheduled for November 2004 with the final ISS construction flight delivering the U.S. Habitation Module. Engineering Challenges to the Long-Term Operation of the International Space Station is a study of the engineering challenges posed by longterm operation of the ISS. This report states that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the ISS developers have focused almost totally on completing the design and development of the station and completing its assembly in orbit. This report addresses the issues and opportunities related to long-term operations.

      • Space science
        July 2000

        Assessment of Mission Size Trade-offs for NASA's Earth and Space Science Missions

        by Space Studies Board Ad Hoc Committee on the Assessment of Mission Size Trade-Offs for Earth and Space Science Missions, Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Applications, National Research Council

        Assessment of Mission Size Trade-offs for NASA's Earth and Space Science Missions addresses fundamental issues of mission architecture in the nation's scientific space program and responds to the FY99 Senate conference report, which requested that NASA commission a study to assess the strengths and weaknesses of small, medium, and large missions. This report evaluates the general strengths and weaknesses of small, medium, and large missions in terms of their potential scientific productivity, responsiveness to evolving opportunities, ability to take advantage of technological progress, and other factors that may be identified during the study; identifies which elements of the SSB and NASA science strategies will require medium or large missions to accomplish high-priority science objectives; and recommends general principles or criteria for evaluating the mix of mission sizes in Earth and space science programs. Assessment of Mission Size Trade-offs for NASA's Earth and Space Science Missions considers not only scientific, technological, and cost trade-offs, but also institutional and structural issues pertaining to the vigor of the research community, government-industry university partnerships, graduate student training, and the like.

      • Space science
        April 2000

        The Role of Small Satellites in NASA and NOAA Earth Observation Programs

        by Committee on Earth Studies, Space Studies Board, National Research Council

        Remote observations of Earth from space serve an extraordinarily broad range of purposes, resulting in extraordinary demands on those at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and elsewhere who must decide how to execute them. In research, Earth observations promise large volumes of data to a variety of disciplines with differing needs for measurement type, simultaneity, continuity, and long-term instrument stability. Operational needs, such as weather forecasting, add a distinct set of requirements for continual and highly reliable monitoring of global conditions. The Role of Small Satelites in NASA and NOAA Earth Observation Porgrams confronts these diverse requirements and assesses how they might be met by small satellites. In the past, the preferred architecture for most NASA and NOAA missions was a single large spacecraft platform containing a sophisticated suite of instruments. But the recognition in other areas of space research that cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and robustness may be enhanced by using small spacecraft has raised questions about this philosophy of Earth observation. For example, NASA has already abandoned its original plan for a follow-on series of major platforms in its Earth Observing System. This study finds that small spacecraft can play an important role in Earth observation programs, providing to this field some of the expected benefits that are normally associated with such programs, such as rapid development and lower individual mission cost. It also identifies some of the programmatic and technical challenges associated with a mission composed of small spacecraft, as well as reasons why more traditional, larger platforms might still be preferred. The reasonable conclusion is that a systems-level examination is required to determine the optimum architecture for a given scientific and/or operational objective. The implied new challenge is for NASA and NOAA to find intra- and interagency planning mechanisms that can achieve the most appropriate and cost-effective balance among their various requirements.

      • Space science
        October 2000

        Methods for Developing Spacecraft Water Exposure Guidelines

        by Subcommittee on Spacecraft Water Exposure Guidelines, Committee on Toxicology, Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology, National Research Council

        The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) maintains an active interest in the environmental conditions associated with living and working in spacecraft and identifying hazards that might adversely affect the health and well-being of crew members. Despite major engineering advances in controlling the spacecraft environment, some water and air contamination appears to be inevitable. Several hundred chemical species are likely to be found in the closed environment of the spacecraft, and as the frequency, complexity, and duration of human space flight increase, identifying and understanding significant health hazards will become more complicated and more critical for the success of the missions. NASA asked the National Research Council (NRC) Committee on Toxicology to develop guidelines, similar to those developed by the NRC in 1992 for airborne substances, for examining the likelihood of adverse effects from water contaminants on the health and performance of spacecraft crews. In this report, the Subcommittee on Spacecraft Water Exposure Guidelines (SWEGs) examines what is known about water contaminants in spacecraft, the adequacy of current risk assessment methods, and the toxicologic issues of greatest concern.

      • Space science
        August 2000

        Review of NASA's Biomedical Research Program

        by Committee on Space Biology and Medicine, Space Studies Board, National Research Council

        The 1998 Committee on Space Biology and Medicine (CSBM) report A Strategy for Research in Space Biology and Medicine in the New Century assessed the known and potential effects of spaceflight on biological systems in general and on human physiology, behavior, and performance in particular, and recommended directions for research sponsored over the next decade by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The present follow-up report reviews specifically the overall content of the biomedical research programs supported by NASA in order to assess the extent to which current programs are consistent with recommendations of the Strategy report for biomedical research activities. In general, NASA programs concerned with fundamental gravitational biology are not considered here. The committee also notes that this report does not include an evaluation of NASA's response to the Strategy report, which had only recently been released at the initiation of this study. Review of NASA's Biomedical Research Program summarizes the committee's findings from its review of (1) NASA's biomedical research and (2) programmatic issues described in the Strategy report that are relevant to NASA's ability to implement research recommendations.

      • Space science
        May 2001

        A Review of the New Initiatives at the NASA Ames Research Center

        Summary of a Workshop

        by Charles W. Wessner, Editor , Steering Committee for Government-Industry Partnership for the Development of New Technologies, Board on Science, Technology, and Economic Policy, National Research Council

        NASA Ames Research Center, in the heart of Silicon Valley, is embarking on a program to develop a science and technology park bringing together leading companies and universities to capitalize on Ames’ exceptional mission and location. Other initiatives under consideration include the integration of SBIR grants with a planned on-site incubator, virtual collaboration, and possibly a new public venture capital program. The STEP Board was asked by the NASA Administrator to hold a one-day symposium to review these initiatives. This report includes commissioned research papers and a summary of the proceedings of the symposium organized in response to the NASA request.

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