Space Just Got A Little Bit Closer

Space-Directory.com launches comprehensive resources on space-related topics with over 6,000 space-related websites in its searchable database.

(PRWEB) October 18, 2005 -- From the Latest Space News to the Most Popular Resources to its searchable database, Space-Directory.com provides comprehensive resources about space-related topics.

Some of the most popular resources include: Apollo, Columbia, Hubble, Kennedy Space Center, Mars, NASA, Neil Armstrong, Rockets, Satellite, Space Shuttle, Space Station, How To Become An Astronaut, Libertarian Space, NASA Space Centers, Project Orion, Space Fellowships, Space Technology News, Space Physiology, UK Space, Weather Space, WMD Space, World Space, X-33, and X-37. There are also sections on space-related gift ideas for the astronaut in your life and space humor including a Blithering Idiots page. The Space Directory should be on the Favorites list of every space enthusiast from ages 8 to 80.

SpaceStationSim 2.0 Video Game Released as Astronauts Deal with Failed International Space Station Computer

SpaceStationSim™ 2.0, a video game that models the challenges that NASA and its exploration partners face in constructing, crewing and maintaining life aboard the International Space Station, was released June 15, 2007 as real-life astronauts attempted to repair a disabled International Space Station computer.

Joppa, MD (PRWEB) June 18, 2007 -- On the same day that the world holds its breath and watches astronauts attempt to repair a disabled International Space Station computer, Vision Videogames announced the release of the newest version of its space station simulation video game, SpaceStationSim 2.0.

Developed in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through a Space Act Agreement and recognized as a Space Inspiration Product, SpaceStationSim 2.0 allows a player to create their own unique design of the International Space Station, complete with six crewmembers and detailed, functioning interior components.

In developing the game, we modeled micro meteor strikes, fires, potential electrocutions and troublesome Russian systems, so we knew these things were possible

"In developing the game, we modeled micro meteor strikes, fires, potential electrocutions and troublesome Russian systems, so we knew these things were possible," said Vision Videogames president William Mueller. "Now, as potential issues have become a reality, we wish the crew and all those associated with the International Space Station only the best results of their efforts. We're confident they'll be successful in repairing the damage and keeping the International Space Station flying straight and true."

According to Mueller, SpaceStationSim™ 2.0 models the challenges that NASA and its exploration partners face in constructing, crewing and maintaining life aboard the International Space Station, which orbits 17,500 miles per hour at 250 miles above the Earth.

"We hope that SpaceStationSim™ 2.0 will give game players a real sense of ownership in the worldwide effort to explore space and improve life on Earth," said Mueller.

While maintaining life support is a constant challenge in the game, the real nemesis is a pesky space tourist, Clyde Carryon, who goes about starting fires and breaking equipment. This forms a background to the strategic and tactical challenges of building up the International Space Station while cooperating with all of the contributing partners - the Japanese Space Administration (JSA), the European Space Administration (ESA), the Canadian Space Administration (CSA) and the Russian Space Administration (RSA).

SpaceStationSim 2.0 is published by Enlight Software and is available in most retail stores as well as science centers, planetariums and space oriented online stores across the US and Canada. For more information, visit http://www.spacestationsim.com. To download a SpaceStationSim 2.0 free demo, visit http://www.vision-play.com/products/game1/demo.html.

Vision Videogames, LLC creates high-quality nonviolent video games using a unique approach called Stealth Training, in which the player uses real-world knowledge in game scenarios to resolve conflicts and enhance skills. Vision Videogames has a Space Act Agreement with The National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) in a cooperative effort to develop its first PC/PS2/Xbox based video game. In addition to working hand in hand with NASA, Vision Videogames also has an unofficial relationship with JAXA (Japanese Space Administration) and informal relationships with ESA (European Space Administration) and CSA (Canadian Space Administration). For more information, visit: http://www.spacestationsim.com.

US Space Walk of Fame Museum Hosts Space Party April 12

The US Space Walk of Fame Museum in Titusville, Florida, will be hosting a Space Party from 5-9pm on April 12 to celebrate the anniversary of the first space shuttle in 1981 and the first manned spaceflight in 1961. The party is organized by the Florida Space Coast Chapter of the National Space Society. All proceeds benefit the US Space Walk of Fame Foundation.

Titusville, FL (PRWEB) April 7, 2006 -- The Space Coast Chapter of the National Space Society (NSS) is inviting everyone in the vicinity of Kennedy Space Center to the US Space Walk of Fame Museum on April 12, 2006 from 5-9pm. The space enthusiasts will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the first space shuttle launch and 45 years of manned spaceflight.

Fred Becker, an NSS member said the event "will have events for children such as designing a mission patch, some food for the guests, space music and movies, door prizes and much more. It's going to be a great time!" Meanwhile, the museum will be providing repeat viewings of the Kennedy Space Center historic map sculpture, a unique
presentation that shows how the Cape grew over time as the space program advanced.

In addition these activities, the Titusville Amateur Radio Club will also be on location at the museum to participate in a local "N4S" ham radio event marking the shuttle anniversary.

The event is free though donations will be taken to benefit the US Space Walk of Fame Foundation. Their effort to create a tourist destination at Veterans Park in Titusville similar to the Hollywood walk of fame will continue after the museum closes. This will be a great opportunity to view the museum before it closes and to meet the museum's volunteer staff--many of whom worked closely with the early
manned space flight programs.

Although this event is intended to rasie funds and local awareness of the museum, it is also a 'Yuri's Night World Space Party', a worldwide event called that occurs on April 12 of every year. "The celebrations are organized locally by volunteers like us all around the globe. The date of April 12 is significant in that it marks the anniversary of
humanity's first voyage into space by Yuri Gagarin in 1961 and the historic launch of STS-1 in 1981. This year there are already 70 parties planned across all 6 continents with two being held here in Florida" said Becker.

For more information, contact the Space Walk of Fame Museum at 321-264-0434.

About the National Space Society

The National Space Society (NSS) is an independent, grassroots organization dedicated to the creation of a spacefaring civilization. Founded in 1974, NSS is widely acknowledged as the preeminent citizen's voice on space. NSS counts thousands of members and over 50 chapters in the United States and around the world. For more information please visit: http://www.nss.org/

About Yuri's Night World Space Party

Yuri's Night is an international celebration held on April 12 every year to commemorate the first human in space, Yuri Gagarin on April 12, 1961, and the first Space Shuttle launch on April 12, 1981. The goal of Yuri's Night is to increase public interest in space exploration and to inspire a new generation of explorers. For more information please visit: http://www.yurisnight.net

Media Contact:
Tim Bailey
NSS Space Coast Chapter
386-589-5559

Redesigning a Worship Space? New Book Provides Theological Discussions And Practical Advice

E.J. Potente and Dr. David Zersen Offer Insight into Worship Space

is based on sound principles and extensive experience. Shaping Worship Space will promote considerable discussion about tradition and relevance in parish study and planning groups.

Kenosha, Wis. (Vocus/PRWEB ) April 8, 2008 -- When faced with constructing or renewing their worship space, congregations are often overwhelmed with choices and unsure of the best way to proceed. A new book published by Concordia University Press helps alleviate such concerns.

In Shaping Worship Space: How Christians Shelter and Adorn Their Liturgies, co-authors E.J. Potente and Dr. David Zersen offer theological discussions on the influences of Christian architecture, as well as practical advice for congregations that are planning to construct or renew their worship space. By examining the historical experiences of Christian people, the authors consider how and why Christian worship spaces have evolved and the relevance such influences have on today’s churches. Also serving as a worship space planning guide, the authors provide practical advice based on generations of experience. Each chapter concludes with thought-provoking study questions. In addition, a comprehensive strategic plan guides readers through the process of designing a beautiful, meaningful and functional place of worship.

Co-author E.J. Potente is the President of The Studios of Potente, a liturgical design company based in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Potente has spent the last 30 years focusing on ways to reorient or enhance worship space in hundreds of denominational settings. Much of what E.J. knows and practices, he learned from his father, Eugene Potente, Jr., founder of The Studios of Potente and to whom the book is dedicated.

Dr. David Zersen is a theologian and educator at Concordia University Texas. Also inspired by his father, a pioneer in the field of illumination, Zersen engages readers with his passion for and extensive knowledge of Christian architecture. His discussions examine why the church building has become what it is today, and how these discoveries are meaningful for today’s Christian communities.

According to the Rev. Frank C. Senn, Ph.D., the book “is based on sound principles and extensive experience. Shaping Worship Space will promote considerable discussion about tradition and relevance in parish study and planning groups.”

The Rev. Richard S. Vosko calls the book “an ecumenical repository of information.” Vosko adds, “It mixes just the right amount of history, theology, ministry and design recommendations to make it a practical primer for any congregation building or renovating a place of worship.”

To read an excerpt from the book, visit The Studios of Potente online at www.sopi.com/shapingworshipspace. To purchase your copy of Shaping Worship Space, please call The Studios of Potente directly at 262-654-3535.

About The Studios of Potente, Inc.
For over 70 years, The Studios of Potente has been bringing the beauty and inspiration of hand-crafted workmanship to churches, synagogues, chapels and columbaria. The body of work concerns the complete interior – the way it looks and the way it functions. All elements including space planning, lighting, seating, arrangement for music, painting, decoration, positions of altar and railings, backgrounds and accents are considered equally important in the way in which the building works. Additional information about The Studios of Potente may be found online at www.sopi.com.

Epsori Space Systems Free Seeds Experiment to Launch April 28th

Epsori Space Systems announces a free Space Seeds experiment for students. The payload will be flown aboard the Up Aerospace SL-2 rocket launch scheduled for April 28th, 2007 at the New Mexico Space Port. Teachers are invited to signup to receive the free Space Seeds experiment this fall at http://www.epsori.com .

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) April 26, 2007 -- Epsori Space Systems announced today that its Free Seeds Experiment will be flying aboard the Up Aerospace SL-2 launch, scheduled for Saturday, April 28th, 2007. Epsori Space Systems will distribute the experiment to 2,500 classrooms in the fall of 2007. The payload contains 22 ounces of mixed vegetable seeds. Teachers in grades 3-5 will be offered a free experiment along with approved curriculum, student workbooks and packages of seeds that have flown into space. The experiment allows students to compare the growth of seeds in a control group, to the growth of the space seeds. Students are taught classic techniques of scientific observation and record keeping during the experiment's two week execution.

Epsori Space Systems executives believe its pioneering approach of flying experiments to space to teach fundamental science skills in the classroom provides a fun way to connect children with space science. Quoting Jerry Hilburn, founder of Epsori Space Systems, "By placing seeds which have flown into space in the hands of our children, we engage their minds, excite their hearts, and make science fun!" Teachers are encouraged to visit the site to learn more about the experiment. Epsori will be accepting applications from teachers for the free program starting May 1st, 2007 at http://www.epsori.com .

We are excited to be onboard SL-2 and look forward to flying payloads with Up Aerospace for many years to come.

Epsori Space Systems was founded in 2007 with the mission of delivering affordable space based experiments to classrooms across America. Based in the heart of the New Space industry in Southern California, Epsori plans to launch thousands of experiments onboard emerging New Space commercial spacecraft in coming years. Up Aerospace is the first "public access to space" company to provide a low cost method of placing our experiments in space. Quoting co-founder, Joshua Johnson, "We are excited to be onboard SL-2 and look forward to flying payloads with Up Aerospace for many years to come." Epsori Space Systems will launch a new social network website for teachers and students in September, which will provide a platform for reporting experiences, research findings, classroom photography and video content of the experiments execution. Distribution of the seeds experiment will begin September 1st, 2007.

The Epsori Space Systems media team will attend the launch in New Mexico on Saturday, April 28th, to record videos of the event and interviews of key participants. All news, photos and videos will be posted at http://www.epsori.com as they become available.

# # #

PlanetSpace.com Takes Social Networking Out Of This World Social Networking Website for Space Enthusiasts

Updated website offers improved community tools, and features

Jacksonville, Fl (PRWEB) August 17, 2007 -- Planet Space, Inc. has re-launched its www.PlanetSpace.com website into an interactive, online social networking platform aimed at the general public as well as the established space enthusiast. "I saw a need for a fun and at the same time informative website which would bring together the general public and established space fan. PlanetSpace.com was designed for ease of use and to be welcoming towards people who do not have space knowledge but would like to join in and learn about the space community," says Kenneth Schweitzer, Founder of Planet Space, Inc.

"This is a great and easy way for space enthusiasts to meet and greet one another," says Richard Godwin of cgpublishing.com. “Space exploration is somewhat a niche interest that is slowly gaining more followers as space becomes available to everyday people. It's great to see sites like PlanetSpace.com offer a place for existing and new followers to congregate,” adds Bill McCoy of RocketsAwayMedia.com.

This is a great and easy way for space enthusiasts to meet and greet one another

As an advertising supported site, members get to set up their own profiles which includes:

- Personal Blog
- Friends List
- Space-related Videos
- Space-related Pictures
- Podcasts

About Planet Space
Planet Space, Inc., a Florida corporation, was founded in 2001. It is a multi-media company exclusively serving the outer space community.

For more information, visit: http://www.PlanetSpace.com

Spain "Steps into Space" at SpacePortGranScala

SpacePortLeisure and International Leisure Development sign Agreement for SpacePortGranScala, a futuristic space city at Gran Scala in Aragón, Spain, a Planned €17 Billion Entertainment Tourism Destination.

Zaragoza, Spain (PRWEB) December 13, 2007 -- SpacePortLeisure (www.SpacePortAfrica.com), a South African company headquartered in Cape Town, is the visionary and developer of the space-themed leisure and entertainment concept and has a vision to build a global business around space-themed urban city lifestyle developments, location-based entertainment and hospitality (theme parks, entertainment centers, hotels and dining destinations), digital entertainment and electronic media. The initial geographic focus has been China, where SpacePortLeisure is establishing a significant footprint, and now Western Europe with SpacePortGranScala.

Imagine a global business built on futuristic learning and entertainment, and based on the wonders of the universe and mankind's interaction with space -- that's SpacePortLeisure.

Gran Scala is a €17 billion entertainment city to be built on 2,025 hectares in the Aragón desert and will include 32 casinos, hotels and five theme parks. A British-based consortium, International Leisure Development, whose major shareholders include Aristocrat Technologies, UFA Insurance, Ultragroup, Inc. Atlanta, USA, Europtima, and Tranchant Group, chose the location because of a possible 25 million catchment market (excluding foreign tourists) and its proximity to Zaragoza Airport, an important hub in the low cost air network. Zaragoza is also one of NASA's Shuttle Tactical Abort Landing Sites (STAL).

The underlying core offer of SpacePortGranScala will be "Explore", "Experience", Innovate" and "Live", themes that will be carried through SpacePortGranScala's theme park, hotel, retail, and lifestyle real estate.

"Using space as a theme together with our human desire to explore, and with technology as the enabler, SpacePortLeisure will provide intelligent, stimulating, and fun-filled lifestyle, entertainment and learning experiences that will give freedom to transcend language and culture, thus creating dynamic new ways of learning and of building new communities across the globe. Our creativity will be as expansive as the Universe," says Danny Naidoo, SpacePort Leisure's recently appointed President & Chief Executive Officer, who, for the last five years, was a Microsoft South Africa Director, thus bringing a vast amount of knowledge and expertise to SpacePortLeisure.

Only a privileged few will be able to experience a real flight into space. In conceiving the SpacePortLeisure concept, the goal is to give visitors and residents alike, an experience of "Stepping into Space" at our SpacePort destinations says Raoul Katovsky, SpacePortLeisure's Executive Chairman, who announced SpacePortGranScala at a major international media briefing by the Aragón Government in Zaragoza today.

Visitors to a SpacePortLeisure theme park will be whipped away from Planet Earth for the day on an awe inspiring adventure normally only experienced by a select few space tourists. From the moment they arrive, they will start the illusion that they are departing for a journey into space and throughout this journey will be entertained by attractions for all to enjoy from educational interactive displays and simulations to the wildest roller coasters for the true thrill seeker.

SpacePortLeisure as a concept is in touch with the times and will always be contemporary. It is linked to space and mankind's continuous exploration of his Universe. The concept has longevity since it is futuristic and sustainable through software technology. Since man first gazed up at the stars, he has been inspired to discover, to travel, to experiment, to invent and understand. SpacePortLeisure involves its visitors in the vision of the future through knowledge and innovation, providing a unique blend of education and entertainment.

The mission of our SpaceportLeisure destinations is optimistic, future oriented and involving in a unique way. Everyone really is an explorer, and explorers really will make incredible discoveries about the cosmos in the next century. This place will be the rightful home of those explorers. Our "A to A Prime" narrative story paradigm involves transforming the guest from a mere observer/tourist into a participant in the story. Just about everyone wants to be an explorer -- this place is the home for these daring, courageous adventurers explains Hans Deuze, SpacePortLeisure's Acting Chief Executive Officer for Location Based Entertainment & Hospitality.

Deuze is a former Euro Disney Imagineer. Whilst working at Euro Disneyland, Deuze had vast experience and training in live show operations and special events. In 2000, Deuze was the operational producer for Walt Disney Studio's world renowned spectacular stunt show called "Moteurs:…Action" involving specially designed cars, motor bikes, jet skis and a large cast of actors, stuntmen, technicians and support staff.

SpacePortLeisure is set to break ground late next year for SpacePortGranScala, a 95 hectare destination with a development cost of some €500 million. "BRC Imagination Arts, of Burbank, California, who have done major projects for NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Disney, to name but a few, will generate the SpacePortGranScala Master Plan" says Katovsky.

SpacePortGranScala and the now fully funded US$330 million SpacePortShenyang in North East China are the first of several SpacePortLeisure destinations that are in the pipeline.

About SpacePortLeisure:
SpacePortLeisure, based in Cape Town, South Africa, has been developing the SpacePort concept since 2002 and is now fast tracking its commercialization, starting with the now fully funded US$330 million SpacePortShenyang Theme Park. SpacePortLeisure and its international, high profile Strategic Partner Network is well equipped to meet the challenging deadlines. In addition to theme parks and edutainment centers, hotels and dining destinations, digital entertainment and electronic media, SpacePortLeisure plans to be the premier space edutainment portal on the World Wide Web.

SpacePortLeisure produces the SpacePort high-tech 4-D animated simulation rides and other proprietary special effects content in Cape Town, taking advantage of the well established film and ICT sectors, having the full backing and support of the Cape Film Commission and Wesgro, the Government's Western Cape economic development agency.

For further information, please visit www.SpacePortAfrica.com from 00:01AM PST, Thursday, December 13, 2007.

The complete Press Release is available at: http://www.spaceportafrica.com/news_GS#1-12-07.html from 00:01AM PST, Thursday, December 13, 2007.

Media Contacts:
Raoul Katovsky
Executive Chairman
SpacePortLeisure
Email: katovsky @ SpacePortAfrica.com
Telephone: 27 (0)82 442-8602

Danny Naidoo
President & Chief Executive
SpacePortLeisure
Email: DannyNaidoo @ SpacePortAfrica.com
Telephone: 27 (0)83 302 2272

Japan plans to launch paper plane from space

2 hours ago

TOKYO (AFP) — Japan plans to take its art of origami paper folding to outer space, launching a paper plane from the International Space Station to Earth to learn about future spacecraft design.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency this week approved four space experiments, including the paper plane project, with up to 90 million yen (900,000 dollars) earmarked for studies over three years, agency official Hidehiro Akashi said Thursday.

Prototype paper planes, folded in the shape of a US space shuttle, survived a test in a hypersonic wind tunnel in late January at a University of Tokyo laboratory.

The prototypes, some seven centimetres (2.8 inches) long and five centimetres (two inches) wide, went through Mach-7 speeds and temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit), according to the Japan Origami Airplane Association which initiated the project.

The conditions were close to what paper planes, which will be drawn back to Earth by gravity, could confront upon re-entering the atmosphere from space, the association said on its website.

The project got a boost after the association found paper that was chemically treated to be extremely heat resistant.

"Even after the chemical treatment, paper remains paper and it can be used for origami," said Shinji Suzuki, a professor at the University of Tokyo's department of aeronautics and astronautics who cooperated in the project.

"The paper plane's return from space will give us tips about designing new spacecrafts," he said.

Japan has an increasingly ambitious space programme. The US space shuttle Endeavour returned Thursday Tokyo time after beginning to set up Japan's first space laboratory.

"The biggest problem is that we cannot predict where the plane will touch down if it manages to return. That's because the plane will be blown away by wind after entering the troposphere," Suzuki said.

"We are considering attaching a tiny transmitter. But if the paper plane gets heavier, it can't escape heating up due to air resistance," he said.

"In its initial flight, we may write on the paper of the plane in different languages, 'please let us know when you find this.'"

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