Application of Information Technology in Spacex Falcon 9 Rocket

University of La Verne

BUS 615

Application of Information Technology in SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket

Final Group project

Ning Wang & Melvin Alvarado

November 6th, 2015

Table of Contents

1.        Introduction        

2.        A brief of History        

3.        Advancements in Technology        

              Artificial Intelligence Systems        

              Satellite Communications        

              High-Tech Computing        

4.        Commercial Space Travel Forerunner - Space X        

5.        Conclusion        

1. Introduction

The evolution of space travel/ exploration dates back to the mid-20th century, shortly after the Second World War. During this time, space exploration was seen as a way of gaining strategic military advantage, and was limited to military applications. The initial tests of using space exploration technologies focused on the launching of long-range missiles by the Russians. However, the utility of space exploration has advanced to include more civilian purposes such as transmission of satellite communications, meteorology, disaster preparedness and more recently, space tourism. These developments have been anchored on advancements in both information and mechanical technologies. This thesis will focus on the application of information technology in space evolution, and more importantly, in the new Falcon spacecraft designed by Space Exploration Technologies. Firstly, it will outline a brief history of space exploration, from the post-World War 2 era to modern day. Subsequently, four essential applications of information technology will be detailed: artificial intelligence, satellite communications, internet & intranet, and High-tech computing.

1. A brief of History

The two most powerful countries of the 1950s, Soviet Union and United States, saw rockets as possibilities of military supremacy. The first artificial satellite to enter the outer space was launched by the Russians in 1957, and was named Sputnik 1, followed by the American Explorer 1 in 1958. In the 1960s, there were several successful attempts to send humans to the moon, landmarked by Neil Armstrong’s walk on the moon. Space travel technologies in the 1960s focused on geo-photography. This evolved into the application of space satellite communication technologies in the 1970s and ‘80s. These technologies were used to transmit radio frequencies, which greatly improved telecommunication and the reception of radio and TV signals. With the establishment of Skylab space station, satellites became even more relevant in disaster management. They could send images of hurricanes or typhoons, nuclear disasters and forest fires. The concept of reusable space shuttles was first tried successfully with the launch of Columbia in 1981. However, Challenger tragedy of 1986 in which seven spacecraft crew were killed prompted more research and advancements into space launching technologies. In 1998, the International Space Station was set up through the collaboration of world powers such as USA, Russia, Britain, among others.