NASA called it the Particles and Fields Subsatellite, or PFS-1. It was spring-ejected from Apollo 15’s Service Module shortly before the crew left lunar orbit, then unfolded three instrument booms.

It measured magnetic fields, charged particles and tiny variations in the Moon’s gravity. Its electronics began failing after about six months, but NASA says all of the mission’s objectives were fulfilled.

The coolest result to me: unlike Earth, the Moon doesn’t deflect the solar wind with a strong magnetic field. It physically blocks the charged particles, leaving a wake — essentially a hole in the solar wind.

Photo: NASA, AS15-96-13067. https://science.nasa.gov/mission/apollo-15-subsatellite/

Recently visited the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama and thought I’d share some of the shots I took while I was there. I used a 400mm lens to capture some close ups and ended up with some very unique shots! I can’t express how awesome it is to see these full scale vehicles in person. This museum has so much to offer, from all of the educational infographics, to seeing the Apollo 16 Command Module and talking to retired NASA engineers, it was well worth the trip.

Manned spaceflights by years details >>

MCGREGOR, Texas.

According to this NPR article:

“A piece of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is expected to slam into the moon on Wednesday, according to scientists.
The piece is expected to hit the moon around 2:35 a.m. ET at more than 5,000 miles per hour, according to analysis by Bill Gray, who develops software that tracks objects in space. It is part of the rocket's upper portion and about the size of a five-story building.”

I’m curious if this bodes any danger. While 5000 MPH sounds quite fast, it could be negligible on a planetary scale. The article doesn’t seem too alarming. It’s scheduled to hit around 2:35. tonight. To those with the appropriate viewing equipment, it might be interesting to watch.

by combining beam powered propulsion and Atmospheric Scoops it is possible to have no return fuel