how and when?

4 question...

1. How will the dss work?

2.When will the first one be launched?

3. How is the ascender going to carry people?

4.When is a ascender that can be manned going to be built?

thanks!

Ad 2.: In the .pdf about the concept which can be downloaded from JP Aerospace's homepage they are listing data from which it can be concluded that the first manned DSS will be launched next year - in 2006.

Ad 3.: As far as I remember the .pdf says that the Ascender will carry people as well as cargo to the already "installed" DSSs.

Ad 4.: At the hompage two very large Ascenders are to be seen - they seem to be nearly ready and capable to carry people.



Dipl.-Volkswirt (bdvb) Augustin (Political Economist)

yes but do the ascender craft have the life support and such needed? And is the first DSS under construction yet? I had already read the handout but it seemed to lack details...

Are there any details on the DSS????

I think that pretty much everything anyone knows can be found on the website, but there may have been a few press releases with a few hints a while back. YOu might be able to find them on the news archives here.

url news archive for JP Aerospace: http://www.spacefellowship.com/News/?cat=42
And you can use the search box on the right side of that page.

Their art also gives some hints away:
http://www.jpaerospace.com/art.html

Maybe John Powell will answer some questions in a few days / weeks, he doesn't visit the forum everyday.

Two Dark Sky Stations have flown. One 27 feet in diameter and another 57 feet in diameter. On the JPA website:
www.jpaerospace.com
there are pictures of the DSS's in flight and a video of the smalled DSS liftoff.

The DSS is a bouyancy vehicle. Helium in cells in the arms lift it. The five arm configuration is for stability.

The up coming Away 28 mission is a technology development mission for the next station.

JP