Reflections on NOMAD Galactic

As our first ever session of NOMAD Galactic winds down, we look back on what we've learned and accomplished, look forward to the next iteration of the program, and look up! To the stars and planets! Always.  

We hit a few of our goals this session like the creation of our new official NOMAD Galactic logo!

Thanks Scout! Here he's holding up our finished product next to BWASA's work in progress. BWASA is also working on a combined logo to represent our collaboration - almost like the European Space Agency.

We were also able to add to our prototype of the HAB with some additional space and ideas for various rooms we think would be handy on Mars. 

Our special effects launch simulation is nearly complete! We have a small green screen to film our launch at Kennedy Space Center, a completed Saturn V rocket model, and some working simple machine designs for the launch mechanism itself. We have yet to decide if it will be a motorized, hand crank, or hand-lifted launch, but we are prepared for all three.

Motorized launch test

Pulley launch prototyping  

Hand crank launch prototypes  

We were a bit too ambitious (ok, let's be honest-  I was a bit too ambitious) in wanting to build a giant Space Station on wheels in just a few meetings. We were able to do some important research, create a rough plan, and build two of the 4'x4'x8' walls of the capsule. 

Heidi also designed and prototyped two systems for docking moving space capsules from different space programs. A future goal of ours is to dock our space station with a BWASA space craft while both units are moving. Also while moving, astronauts will have to move between the two modules. I hope we can finish this project sometime in the future of NOMAD Galactic.

Our minecraft simulation of take off, booster phases, and lunar approach is complete! 

And we saw what is possible in Kerbal Space Program from the pros at BWASA. They taught us a few basics about approaching the moon and landing on it with impressively accurate simulation and telemetry.   

We had a blast learning, experimenting, and building together. We found that we need more time for these projects - 6 or 8 meetings just wasn't enough. Stay tuned for our future launch date! We can't wait to see the pieces come together at some point down the line when all participants of NOMAD Galactic and BWASA will come together in culmination of our hard work.