PROJECT BETA: SENDING A PROBE TO LOW EARTH ORBIT
To achieve Project Alpha would be a success in itself but, more importantly, it would make us established so we could continue with the next step of sending a probe to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
As you move further away from the earth (or any planetary body in space) the gravitational pull it has on you weakens. At LEO, you reach a point where you can comfortably circle or orbit the earth without being pulled into it. All planetary bodies have such an orbit. This is where some satellites are placed, as shown in the diagram to the left with the red circle indicating LEO.
The wider grey circle (or ellipse) around the earth is a further orbit known as Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO) (sometimes called Geostationary Orbit). It is approximately 36,000km above the ground and is where a lot communications satellites reside because it allows them to orbit the earth at the same rate as the earth itself revolves and, therefore, always remain above the same part of earth to successfully relay telecommunication signals.
In general, in space, if you travel away from a planetary body fast enough you will escape its gravity altogether and fly off into outer space. If you travel away from it too slowly you will be caught by its gravity and fall back into it. However, if you escape from it at just the right speed you will fall into its low orbit, which is the aim here.
We have already spoken to (and personally met) a representative of the Centre for Space Science Technology (CSST) (www.csst.co.nz) in Alexandra. They work with Rocket Lab (www.rocketlab.co.nz) and are able to assist with this project and, after sharing our ideas on what is needed with them, we have come to a conclusion that about NZ $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 will be needed to successfully complete this project.
If this project can also be a success then the real fun can begin with reaching the Moon, as shown on the next page detailing Project Gamma.