Our class recently went to the Aerospace Corporation for a field trip. The trip was a great experience as they had several activities for us when we got there. The activities were fun and also taught me a lot about the aerospace industry. I really like what they do there as it seems both important and enjoyable. My favorite part of the field trip was the control room activity. They took us to an actual space launch control room and allowed us to use the microphones and intercom system that the actual engineers use on launch day. This was definitely the highlight for me.
Space debris has become a major problem as LEO(Low Earth Orbit) satellites have increased and are projected to continue to increase. The engineers at the Aerospace Corporation seem to have a very plausible solution. The solution is to utilize the Lithium-ion battery already on board satellites. The idea is to ignite the battery into thermal runaway creating thrust for deorbit. The thrust created is projected to reduce residual orbit time by 55% for LEO satellites. By reducing orbit time for these satellites by almost half this solution would reduce the clutter in LEO and reduce space debris as a result. This would also provide a massless solution to satellites. Overall, if this solution could be perfected it could be the main way we solve the space debris problem.
April 28, 1919 - My name is Leslie Irvin and I might be crazy. Well thats what many people must think for what I'm about to do. Maybe I am and that's the last people will think of me. The plane is already at 1000 feet and climbing I can't be thinking like that. Besides, Mr. Smith assured me the design would work. The test also had a perfect success rate with the parachute activating every time. There's no reason to worry. "This is it Leslie 1500 feet, get ready to jump!" screamed the pilot over the screaming wind. There's no time to second guess now, its time. After another check of both the parachute and the backup I walked to the open side door of the biplane. Then out of nowhere the adrenaline hit me like a truck, I've never felt something like it. Without even saying anything to the captain I jumped. The wind slipped past me from every angle, I was flying! The adrenaline took over, I felt invincible like even if I hit the ground I couldn't be hurt. Before I knew it I was at 1000 feet and pulled the first parachute. It went up instantly, jolting me back as I began to glide. Mr. Smith had done it the parachute worked! I slowly glided to the ground and heard the cheers from the crowd below. It was over before I could even register what I just did. My name is Leslie Irvin and I still might be crazy but I am also now the first person to jump from an airplane with a backpack parachute.
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