Artemis II Splashdown Seen in Second Life

 

 With a lot going on in Second Life on Friday April 10, it was easy to miss one big event in space news. Artemis II, the spacecraft that went around the moon, returned to Earth. Having launched on April 1, for nine days it traveled through space farther than any human had gone since the last of the Apollo Moon missions in 1972, circling the moon and getting a peek at the seldom seen dark side on April 6. And Friday was when the journey would end.

 

The event would be broadcasted live in a number of locations in Second Life, such as the Premier Business Center. But yours truly dropped by the International Space Museum at Spaceport Alpha where the descent was shown live at the auditorium area. And at 5:07 PM SL time, it splashed down. 

 

Commentary: There's been plenty of bad news in real life lately, war, corruption, political discord so bad, much of the public sees not just politicians but the people behind those they oppose as a threat to the country.  There are those who feel the money spent on manned space program should be spent on other things such as expanding foreign aid or building even more and better bombs and missiles. But humans have always been explorers, looking at new frontiers. And this moon mission was a reminder we've still got it.

 

"To the moon, and beyond,"

 

*Addition* I would also do a post on my Food on The Table. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Announcement: World Space Week At The National Space Society

 

You are cordially invited to events celebrating World Space Week 2021, October 4th through the 10th, sponsored by the National Space Society in SL, the International Spaceflight Museum, and SpaceX in SL.

World Space Week is an international celebration of science and technology, and their contributions to the betterment of the human condition. The United Nations General Assembly declared in 1999 that World Space Week will be held each year from October 4-10. These dates commemorate two events:

October 4, 1957: Launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, thus opening the way for space exploration; and

October 10, 1967: The signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, a.k.a. "The Outer Space Treaty".

This year’s theme is “Women in Space”.  For more information and a listing of RL and Virtual events worldwide:  [ https://www.worldspaceweek.org ].

Spacey Sock Hop Lift Off for World Space Week 2021 with DJ Aristippus
Monday, 4 October from 3 to 5 pm SL/Pacific time
Location:  NSS L-1 BALLroom
[ http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/National%20Space%20Society/128/152/1261 ]


Tea & Rockets
Wednesday, 6 October from 6 to 8 pm SL/Pacific time
Location:  Rocket Ring central stage
[ http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spaceport%20Alpha/128/169/24 ]

Join us as we soak up the rocket fumes…errr…view, at the International Spaceflight Museum’s iconic Rocket Ring and discuss humanity’s past, present and future in space…”gunpowder tea” will be served!


Out Of This World Awards Event Of The Year
Saturday, 9 October from 3 to 4 pm SL/Pacific time
Location:  SpaceX In Second Life Event Center~NSS Location
[ http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/National%20Space%20Society/38/226/3675 ]

Black tie / formal attire please...drinks and hors d'oeuvre will be served.
Guest of Honor Dr. Joseph Borg of Malta will be receiving an Achievement award, and additional awards will be presented. Dr. Borg and his colleagues are the first Maltese space project to be launched via a SpaceX rocket. His cube with science experiments successfully made it to the International Space Station.
[ https://www.um.edu.mt/newspoint/news/2021/07/joseph-borg-magazines ].
Live-streamed outside of Second Life at:
[ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaCt33MsVmkQBm-Z7b-Zo5CegcPaUvOtA ].

Throughout World Space Week, please enjoy our audio stream in Second Life or at [ http://stream.gclef320kbps.us:11032 ]. Our WSW playlist is inspired by, but not limited to, this year’s theme of “Women in Space”.
 

Yuri's Night

On Saturday, April 11, the National Space Society celebrated "Yuri's Night." The event, named after the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin, is to celebrate milestones in manned space flight. The party was high above the Spaceport Bravo sim.

Yuri’s Night party happening now! Celebrate Yuri Gagarin, first person in space, with the International Spaceflight Museum and the National Space Society. DJ Aristippus spins space-themed tunes and songs of the Space Age. Futuristic, space-related or early '60s fashions are encouraged, but in no way required.

There were a mix of early 60s tunes, and space themed songs such as "Walking on the Moon," "Goodbye Cruel World," "Space Girls," and others. People either danced, or floated in the air, often in spacesuits.

There were a few topics, such as the Coronovirus Crisis, which may have caused one NSS member to skip the event, and some sadness over the lack of progress in manned space travel in recent years.

On another note, it was fifty years ago that the accident that crippled Apollo 13 and almost caused the loss of all aboard took place. It took a good deal of effort by both the astronauts and the ground crew to get the crew back to Earth in what would be called a "successful failure."

Bixyl Shuftan

SL Video: "Pioneers"

(Click here if the video fails to play)

By Huckleberry Hax on Oct 15, "A short film."

Announcement: University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy Presents: "Challenges and Approaches to Star Flight"

University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy Presents:
"Challenges and Approaches to Star Flight"

By: Marc Millis
Friday, May 13th at 9:30 PM PDT
Institute for Astronomy - U. Hawaii Astronomy Amphitheater: 

And on the web: http://ps1puka.ps1.ifa.hawaii.edu/liveVideo.php

Comprehending star-flight – reaching other worlds across interstellar space – is mind boggling.  Distances are beyond familiarity and ideas for getting there are difficult to sort from science fiction. This talk introduces the reality of potential destinations, how to get there, and the lessons learned in the attempt. An unexpected lesson is that human behavior is a much larger factor than technological progress. The energy levels required for interstellar flight are so enormous that errant use could extinguish humanity – meaning that humanity must mature to where it responsibly wields such powers for the common good rather than against each other. Designing 'world ships’ (isolated, multi-generation colonies on a journey to new worlds) must address sustainable living both physically and socially. The far-future nature of this goal offers a more academic context to fully digest the facts and unknowns of human behavior to create a sustainable peaceful society with meaningful lives for all.

Alliance, Chaminade University (49, 205, 4002)

http://slurl.com/secondlife/CUH%20Alliance/49/205/4002

SL Video: "International Spaceflight Museum History Tour "

(Click here if the video fails to load)

"A video of the flying carpet tour that one can ride at the International Spaceflight Museum (ISM) in the virtual world Second Life (SL). It gives an overview of the early history of the museum. You can visit the museum in SL at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife...

The tour and video were produced by Troy McConaghy (Troy McLuhan in SL). The audio narration is by Dave Quinn. Video copyright © 2010, Troy McConaghy, all rights reserved."

Press Release: World Space Week

World Space Week: an international celebration of science and technology, and their contributions to the betterment of the human condition. Founded in 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly, World Space Week is held every year on October 4-10.

These dates commemorate two events:
    October 4, 1957: Launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, thus opening the way for space exploration;
    October 10, 1967: Signing the U.N. Treaty on Principles Governing the Activites of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (The "Outer Space Treaty").

Each year, the World Space Week Association selects a theme for the upcoming World Space Week (WSW). The theme for 2014 is “Space: Guiding Your Way” featuring the benefits of satellite navigation to society.

http://www.worldspaceweek.org


The National Space Society, International Spaceflight Museum, other space groups and technical volunteers bring special World Space Week events to Second Life:

Oct 4th Saturday, 4-6pm SL time -- Party time!  Space-suitable attire suggested but not required (freebies available!)
"Electro/wave, space house and intergalactic disco from the offworld colonies, mixed by neko replicant MeowMeow Ghost, and streaming live from Tranquility Base."
NSS, National Space Society (50, 100, 3674)

Oct. 5th, Sunday, 2pm SL time  --  An Overview Of Global Positioning Constellations with TaraLi Jie
"Multiple groups have put up satellite navigation systems in orbit.  This will give an overview of where they are as far as functionality and what future plans have been revealed, as well as any unique features they might have."
International Spaceflight Museum, Spaceport Alpha (108, 156, 22)

Oct. 6th, Monday, 3pm SL time  --  National Space Society in SL weekly general meeting  --  Everyone welcome!
NSS, National Space Society (128, 152, 1260)

Oct 7th Tuesday, 2-4pm SL time -- Party time redux!  Space-suitable attire suggested but not required (freebies available!)
"Electro/wave, space house and intergalactic disco from the offworld colonies, mixed by neko replicant MeowMeow Ghost, and streaming live from Tranquility Base."
NSS, National Space Society (50, 100, 3674)

Oct. 8th, Wednesday, 2-5am SL time  --  Lunar Eclipse viewing party!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_2014_lunar_eclipse
Follow along with us as we watch live coverage at Slooh Observatory:  http://live.slooh.com
NSS, National Space Society (50, 100, 3674)

Oct. 8th, Wednesday, 4pm SL time  --  How do you run a GPS Constellation? with TaraLi Jie
"To create a GPS system, it's not enough to simply send up satellites.  They require constant updates due to a variety of issues.  I'll discuss what makes determining a location via GPS so tricky, and how the various systems handle the issues."
International Spaceflight Museum, Spaceport Alpha (108, 156, 22)


WSW 2014 SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE GOODIES!
    Commemorative mesh tee shirts by custom designer Mell Hammerer are available at the venues, courtesy of Mell and Charlie Navarathna, along with other goodies...enjoy!


About the sponsors:

National Space Society in SL
Free to join!   secondlife:///app/group/17a08f4d-3ed6-8ba0-5a6e-91c4218b35cf/about
An activity of the National Space Society, an international organization of space enthusiasts:  http://www.nss.org
Managed in SL for NSS by the Research Team of the Oregon L5 Society chapter of NSS.
Ariel Miranda, In-World Administrator.

International Spaceflight Museum
A world-famous, private, non-profit activity not affiliated with NASA or other Space Agencies, depending on individual and corporate donations and receiving no government money. Please support ISM!
Kat Lemieux, In-World Director
􀀅

The Moon Landing Anniversary in Second Life

Forty-five years ago last Sunday, July 20, Man landed on the moon. Although the anniversary got scant attention in the media, in Second Life members of the National Space Society took a little time to celebrate. People were invited over to take a few freebies, read some information, look at some builds of NASA moon objects, and hold some conversation with fellow space enthusiasts. Getting there was just "one small step for an avatar."

Read more in Events.

The ISM to be Officially Incorporated

Kat Lemieux, the director of the International Space Museum, recently spoke to Second Life Newser about an important move for the noted Sci-Lands location and the group behind it. The virtual museum will be officially incorporated in real life. But this move will not be the only one made by the ISM. Kat describes what will happen.

Read the story in Extra.

The National Space Society Celebrates the Moon Landing

It was 44 years ago last Saturday in which Niel Armstrong set foot on the moon, the first time mankind had stepped on the surface on another place in space. To celebrate, the National Space Society held a party for the occasion near their library. Some noteworthy people showed up, some space ballads were played, and one of the NSS crew had a pretty active day earlier at the Neil Armstrong Museum in Ohio.

Read more in Events.

Remembering Neil Armstrong

Last weekend came some sad news for space fans. Neil Armstrong, the first man who walked on the Moon, passed away. He was 82 years old.

The news certainly got many, including myself, pondering. It was a reminder of how long ago what some consider our high-water mark in manned space exploration was reached. It also got some wondering "What happened to him?" Unlike some astronauts whom stayed in the spotlight, such as Senator John Glenn, he instead went back to Ohio for a job in teaching and bought some farmland.

When his family was asked how should the rest of us remember him, one answered that the next time we see the moon, think of Neil Armstrong, his fellow astronauts, and the journey they went through.

A few years ago on the forty-year anniversary, there was an exhibit in the Second Life Sci-Lands that allowed residents to do just that. Built by a Wicked Quasimodo, it was never quite finished, and went up once an hour, along with any space fan whom was waiting for a ride. As the sim it was on, Space Frontier, is now gone, what happened to it is still unknown. But in Spaceport Bravo, west of Spaceport Alpha, one can still find this Saturn V Apollo rocket. One can just barely see my five-foot avatar at the bottom near the launch platform treads, showing just how big these massive rockets, and their launch pads, were.

Bixyl Shuftan

Steelhead Salmons RFL Event: To The Moon

Steelhead's final RFL event of the season, on July 6th, is all based on A Trip To The Moon. So, come join us for a dance on the moon. You can dress in something Sci Fi Cheesy, something straight Sci Fi, or you can come just as you are.

Also, included, is an auction of items and services provided by some of Steelhead's finest. Fun items, interesting items, even services, such as Djing services. Never know what we may have to offer that would interest you.

Dance begins at 7:00 on July 6th. Come join us, and bring crackers.....you know, just in case the moon is really made of cheese. Music provided by Fuzzball Ortega.

Image from oldschoolreviews.com

Spaceport Alpha/International Space Museum Is Back

Good news for space fans in Second Life. The Spaceport Alpha sim, home to the International Space Museum or ISM is back online after having been closed for a few weeks. There had been some concerns that the return of the place would be further delayed due to Linden Lab asking for both the back payments and a purchase fee for a new sim. But they were laid to rest when on Wednesday February 22nd the sim was back online for all to see.


Checking back for myself, the place was fully restored, rockets and all. I thought I noticed a few exhibitions I hadn't seen before, but perhaps they were recent additions I missed on my last trip over.

While at the sim, I ran into the Director, Kat Lemieux. She was happy to have the place back up and running. Just why did the place go offline? "Yes, the person who was in charge got sick, and didn't tell anyone, and ... Well, it was a big mixup. But we're going to make sure that doesn't happen again. ... It was pretty scary for awhile, there. We thought it was all gone for good."

Of the demand that the ISM group pay a sim purchase fee, "The Linden support person who took it down wasn't totally clued into LL policy, but once it was brought to the attention of the right people, it got straightened out. ... that was a low-level staffer. Once somebody higher up with some authority found out, it got taken care of. I understand many of the new support staff aren't very knowlegable about SL, which is too bad, but what can you do?" She thanked the Second Life newspapers and blogs that publicized the sim closing for their help, "those who were vocal about (the ISM), commenting on the blogs, helped make sure it came back. Linden Lab does pay attention to public opinion."

Asking Kat what were the plans of the ISM, "Well, the planning group will resume regular meetings, then we're going to start revising exhibits, and putting on events again. First up is a party!"

They will be having a new exhibit up soon, and plan on having Cypress Rosewood perform over sometime in March. Later on at one of their meetings, they may have a author of "military science fiction."

Kat and I talked on for a while. She pointed out exhibits such as the Apollo Program Saturn V rocket, and the HUGE Vehicle Assembly building, which in real life holds the record for being the largest building in volume on the planet. She told me she had spent much of her childhood living near Cape Canaveral as her father worked there, saying her school would have extended "fire drills" whenever there was a launch, "the country administrator wouldn't call off classes just for 'some clown' in a rocket." She moved before the Apollo Program, but made trips over to see a few shuttle launches. When asked about the people who saw shuttle launches and landings televised at the ISM up to the last one, she grinned, "They got a better view."

The International Space Museum has numerous exhibitions, plus a gift shop where one can buy souveniers, which help fund the sim. There are also various donation jars one can chip in. Spaceport Alpha is one of the Sci-Land sims which are devoted to news and adult education about sciences, especially astronomy and related sciences. The ISM gets no funding from NASA, nor are any of the members of it's group from the government.

To check the ISM blog, Click Here.

To get to the ISM, Click Here to go to Spaceport Alpha.

Bixyl Shuftan

End of an Era: Last Shuttle Landing Broadcasted in Second Life

This morning at 3AM SL time, the Space Shuttle Atlantis landed back on Earth in real life. In Second Life, the landing was broadcasted in a few places on the Grid. Among them, the International Space Museum, where RacerX Gullwing was able to take this picture.

The landing of Atlantis means the end of the Space Shuttle program, the ships heading to museums, and for now the end of the US manned space program, aside for the occasional astronaut hitching a ride on one of Russia's Soyuz rockets. Although NASA's workers cheered the shuttle landing as their last hurrah, within the week thousands will be laid off and looking for new jobs.

NASA has been working on a sucessor to the shuttle, saying they could have it ready possibly in a few years. But the US Federal government faces a huge deficit and a massive debt, political commentators and private citizens alike wondering if it is heading to a financial day of reckoning. It may be many years before US astronauts go back into space in their own rockets.

Fortunetly for Second Life residents, they can get spaceship rides for themselves in places like the Sci-Lands. Or, take a look at spaceship models in places like the International Space Museum (ISM) in the Spaceport Alpha sim.

Bixyl Shuftan

3, 2, 1, Liftoff!

Yesterday on Friday July 8th, at the Avatrian Central sim, people began to recreate in Second Life the launch of the final flight of the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

Hi folks! Just a quick update. People are slowly arriving here now :) The chosen Flight Commander and Pilot are already here, and we already briefed them and gave a short orientation. They are very excited and eager for launch! :) We're going to draw two names off the raffle at around 10AM EST, for the Mission Specialist 1 and 2 positions. Furthermore, 4 other names will be drawn and serve as backup or alternate shuttle astronauts :) See you down here in a few hours! :)

The final two team members were chosen, Fritzfranz Fride and Douglas Dragonash, who joined Phelpsa Resident and Walt Faulds whom were selected Wednesday.


The crew was soon taken to the shuttle, where it's launch was timed to go at the same time as the Shuttle Atlantis in real life.

How did it go? Just check the Youtube below.



And so, Avatrian's salute to the Space Shuttle program is done. No doubt we'll hear from them again soon.

The real Shuttle is scheduled to spend almost 2 weeks in space. It is scheduled to return July 20th. If you're around inworld at the time, be sure to watch the landing at the International Space Museum, the Star Trek Museum, or other places showing footage of the landing.

Pictures from Chris Welles of the Boy Scouts of Second Life.

*Addition* Check out this Youtube of the whole event, link sent by Fritzfranz Fride: Click Here

The Last Shuttle

This Friday July 8th will be the last of the NASA Space Shuttle missions. The launch will be broadcasted in various places on the Grid. But one location plans to do more than that. The Avatrian team, the people behind the recent Bin-Laden compound build, plan to recreate the flight of the Last Shuttle.

Read more in Events.