Science

The Max Launch Abort System Launch

By Jesus Diaz on July 11, 2009 at 12:00 AM

Looks like Flash Gordon came to Virginia this Wednesday. Here you have images and video of the spectacular Max Launch Abort System in action. Sadly, the spiffy spacecraft won’t be in Orion. Maybe they can send me one to test.

MLAS—named after Maxime Faget, the designer for the Aerial Capsule Emergency Separation Device in the Mercury program—is an alternative abort launch system concept developed by a team of NASA engineers. The Orion abort system will remain the same. According to NASA, however, this concept has potential for future missions:

MLAS is of potential interest because it is theorized to have aerodynamic performance benefits, weight savings and be relatively simple in some spacecraft applications. Much of the potential gains would be accomplished by eliminating the launch abort tower, which also means eliminating the attitude control motors.

[NASA]

Tagged:

Comments (AU Comments | US Comments)

  • JimboGizmo
    July 11, 2009 at 3:53 PM
    @Xeno:

    I agree; and even after all of those 'chutes, the pieces still hit the water at a scary velocity.

    JimboGizmo

  • Dorv
    July 11, 2009 at 12:15 PM
    @KeepingTheForeName_GitEmSteveDave:

    JINX PUT MAX IN SPACE
  • MePerson
    July 11, 2009 at 12:01 PM
    That's a lot of spinning and turning on the way down... surely the were-going-to-be-astronauts would have something to say about that?

    MePerson

  • MikeK
    July 11, 2009 at 8:13 AM
    Jiminy, that's a lot of parachutes.
  • dancekat1
    July 11, 2009 at 8:05 AM
    As a former engineering student - but not being a rocket scientist - I would like to point out that extra complexity introduces significant risk and variables. There are multiple free-fall release stages with multiple drogue and chute deployment systems all combined instead of a single "get clear" system as was employed by the earlier space programs. As an outside observer - I would have to say this is over engineered and lacks my confidence. I understand the desire to get away from attitude control issues and the supposed weight savings but simpler is going to be better here. Look at The team that built Spaceship One. Feathered re-entries such as used by that were deemed by earlier NASA studies to be dangerous and unworkable. The space program is off track and needs fresh blood.
  • libelle47
    July 11, 2009 at 4:00 AM
    I see the Russian influence on the design. You know. Those nested Russian dolls? How many parachute/shield layers do we need on this thing?

    libelle47

  • GodivaDawgy
    July 11, 2009 at 3:29 AM

    Ah Space Camp. I thought I was the only one to remember that flick.

    GodivaDawgy

  • Zkdog
    July 11, 2009 at 2:53 AM
    @KeepingTheForeName_GitEmSteveDave: The way they were saying it, I was really worried for a second actually. There has got to be an easier way than all that.....but NASA has never been a follower of the KISS technique.

    Zkdog

  • Xeno
    July 11, 2009 at 2:24 AM
    Chief: Alright people I need ideas for additions to our vehicle. Go!
    Tech 1: Racing Stripes!
    Chief: NO! Next.
    Tech 2: Umm... lasers. Pew Pew!
    Chief: We'd blind all the rescue pilots! Next.
    Tech 3: Exactly 15 stages consisting of 342 different designs of parachute?
    Chief Genius!

    Xeno

  • MacBandit
    July 11, 2009 at 2:12 AM
    Seems great until the larger portion comes crashing down on the final chutes and takes the entire thing out.
  • johneaster
    July 11, 2009 at 1:56 AM
    Am I the only one to get invalid parameters message on the video window ? Using Chrome V.2.0.172.33

    johneaster

  • Cliff_Dangers
    July 11, 2009 at 1:35 AM
    @JeepyJayhawk: Word. The whole thing looked ridiculously overdone. Once it reached its maximum height, deceleration wouldn't be a problem. Could it not have just spit out the small container with the large shoots then?

    Cliff_Dangers

  • aboriginal
    July 11, 2009 at 1:34 AM
    I think we need a wee bit more parachute, don'tcha think?

    aboriginal

  • ideaman2020
    July 11, 2009 at 1:24 AM
    Makes you want to be an astronaut AGAIN?? Some of us never stopped.... [sigh]
  • Margatron
    July 11, 2009 at 12:56 AM
    The Orion abort system seems a bit more logical when you need to get your astronauts the hell away from the burning exploding carcass of the rocket body. That said, the parachute sequence was fascinating to watch. Very exciting for improving other varieties of launches.
  • drewthat
    July 11, 2009 at 12:52 AM
    Whats up with the new comment system?
  • MisterWho Cares
    July 11, 2009 at 12:50 AM
    Cute little bugger.

    MisterWho Cares

  • Ehrich Blackhound
    July 11, 2009 at 12:41 AM
    @DayWeSpilledThePaint_GitEmSteveDave: Nice "Space Camp" reference, man!!! Kelly Preston was hoooohhhht!!!
  • Alduron
    July 11, 2009 at 12:30 AM
    @DayWeSpilledThePaint_GitEmSteveDave: It was indeed a little strange. I'm just glad no people were inside! Also, that thing broke apart into like 6 pieces. They should have just used a larger parachute, lol.

    Alduron

  • icelight
    July 11, 2009 at 12:26 AM
    @KeepingTheForeName_GitEmSteveDave: Given that much of the purpose of the launch was to give the group that designed and built it experience in launching their own rockets, I'd say that, as far as "rocket scientists" are concerned they fall somewhere near the "amateur" category. Still professional rocket scientists and engineers, obviously, but somewhat new ones.

    icelight

  • Sticks Calhoun
    July 11, 2009 at 12:26 AM
    @KeepingTheForeName_GitEmSteveDave: Or golfers. "Get legs!"
  • Xterm11_is Rhyming
    July 11, 2009 at 12:19 AM
    Man, I would do some rhyming, but I'm at work. And I'm tired.
  • JeepyJayhawk
    July 11, 2009 at 12:18 AM
    I know they are trying to decelerate as much as possible, but does it seem like they added about six parachute stages too many?

    JeepyJayhawk

  • KeepingTheForeName_GitEmSteveDav
    July 11, 2009 at 12:17 AM
    JINX no like.
    Can not cause thermal curtain failure and send Max to space!
    JINX and Max, friends forever!

    But seriously, was anyone else a little weirded out by the people going "Slow down, slow down"? They honestly sounded like the people I used to hear at model rocket launches.
  • reddevil07
    July 11, 2009 at 12:15 AM
    monsieur maximum faget must have been spurred by the inundation of freudian slips

    reddevil07

  • alexvanduyn
    July 11, 2009 at 12:14 AM
    Say it with me, NA NA NAAA NAAA..NA NA NAAA NAAA...HEYYYYYAYA...GOODBYE SHUTTLE PROGRAM!
  • georgi55
    July 11, 2009 at 12:10 AM
    "Got something to say?"? Sweeeet!

    georgi55

  • blazedshaggy
    July 11, 2009 at 12:10 AM
    omg that should soooo be a ride at Six Flags!
  • World iS Mi iPhone!!
    July 11, 2009 at 12:09 AM
    You were an astronaut? cool...

    World iS Mi iPhone!!

Post Your Comments

Got something to say? There are two ways to comment:

1. Guests

Click here to comment instantly.

2. Facebook Users

Click below to comment using your Facebook account.

We're looking for comments that are interesting, substantial or highly amusing. If your comments are excessively self-promotional, obnoxious, or even worse, boring, you will be banned from commenting. All comments are moderated.