Re: Two Questions: Escaping Earth Velocity vs Orbit & Radiation During Moon Walks

From: Hamish (metalmorphosis_at_caverock.net.nz)
Date: 10/31/04 

To: sci-space-tech@moderators.isc.org
Date: 31 Oct 2004 01:05:10 -0800

T <tberk@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message news:<kKhed.33726$QJ3.22435@newssvr21.news.prodigy.com>...
> 1) I understand the speed required to gain orbit is most of the energy
> expended by a space craft, relatively little is used to actually gain
> altitude itself. What I am wondering is the difference in velocity
> required between an orbital vessel and one leaving the Earth altogether
> (as in a Moon Launch).
>
> Anyone have an answer like "you would need to get the craft up to xx MPH
> for Orbital vs yy MPH Escape into Space"?

Escape velocity 11.179 km/s
Orbital velocity I think is around 8 for low orbits

>
>
> 2) How much radiation is pouring in, frying the surface of the Moon
> anyway? How do modern spacesuits shield against it (gold foil layer?)
> and how long can you realistically walk around exposed to the super sun
> tan?

If a moderate flare had occured while the apolo guys were up there
they were toast....

>
> Q2b) How much regolith (moon dust/rock) would you need overhead to
> duplicate the protection the ionosphere, ozone layer, and atmosphere
> provide here on Earth?
>
>
> Thx in advance,
> TBerk

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