Space Shuttle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Space Shuttle - Essay Example Nixon and vice president Spiro T. Agnew. They presented their objective after evaluating the previous studies related to shuttle science. First, to have a national space strategy and second, to build a space shuttle. The big question took place while the earliest development of space shuttle, the debate was about the optimal shuttle design with the purpose of best balanced capability, development cost and operating cost. Eventually the already existing design was selected, using a reusable winged orbiter, solid rocket boosters, and expendable external tank. The Shuttle program was officially commenced on January 5, 1972, just after the announcement that NASA would precede with the development of a reusable Space Shuttle system by President Nixon. The final design was less pricey to manufacture and less technically striving as compared to the earlier fully reusable designs. When the Apollo space program was about to finish, NASA officials were looking at the big picture of the American space program. They used one-shot, disposable rockets. All they wanted is a cost effective, reliable rocket and something which is reusable. This main idea of space shuttle being reusable was that it could launch like a real rocket but land like an airplane which would be considered as one of the greatest technical achievement. As soon as NASA began to study the ... President Nixon in 1972 announced that NASA would develop a reusable space shuttle or space transportation system (STS). Later it was decided that the shuttle would consist of an orbiter directly attached to the solid rocket boosters and also an external fuel tank. It was awarded the prime contract to Rockwell International. Then, spacecraft which were made used ablative heat shields that would burn away as the spacecraft re-entered the Earth's atmosphere. Where as, if the rocket is to be reusable it has to use the different strategy. So the designers and manufacturer of the space shuttle suggested an idea which was to use many insulating ceramic tiles to cover the space shuttle which could absorb the heat of re-entering without hurting the astronauts. As the shuttle was to fly like a plane (more like a glider), while landing. So a working orbiter was also built up for testing the aerodynamic design, but it won't go into the outer space. This orbiter was named the Enterprise afterwards it was known as the "Star Trek" starship. So this required test flights which Enterprise took care of the numerous test flights and landings, where it was launched from a Boeing 747 and glided to a landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. At last, after many years of constructing and testing of orbiters, main engines, external fuel tanks and solid rocket boosters, the shuttle was ready to fly. There were total four shuttles made - Columbia, Discovery, Atlantis and Challenger. The first flight was of Columbia Space Shuttle in 1981, piloted by astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen. It was the successful flight which Columbia performed and later other shuttles made several successful flights. But

Implications of Leadership and Ethics on Organizational Behaviour Assignment

Implications of Leadership and Ethics on Organizational Behaviour - Assignment Example However, unlike most leaders I do not have an outgoing style or a sense of humor. My personal leadership effectiveness is perfect; however, this trait somehow affects it. To ensure that I leverage my strengths, I plan to focus more on past successful leaders and try to determine how they made their achievements. Additionally, I plan to put my strengths in every bit of practice so as to enhance them. Changing my attitude and personality in relation to my weaknesses is the only way through which I can eliminate the weaknesses I have. The only barrier to implementing these plans may be my dedication and determination to implementing them. However, I believe I have all the space and time to implement these development plans. Loyalty and respect is a key value that shapes my leadership behavior. My loyalty and respect to the organization where I work has not only improved my leadership behavior but has also enhanced my social responsibility, and help my motivate employees working under me. In addition, as a value, I often base my decisions on values and not beliefs. I believe values surpass both experiences and contexts. Therefore, the decisions I make for the organization are determined by my values and not beliefs. A reflection on Henry Mintzberg’s literary work â€Å"Beyond Selfishness† brings about the notion of a heroic manager and an engaged manager. For one to be a Heroic Manager they have to depict some form of perfection and excellence. For managers, the drive to being heroes simply involves differentiating themselves, to be who they can be. Managers who act as role models to certain individuals may still be considered heroic managers by those individuals. Being a heroic manager enables one to lead the people who admire them. In contrast, being more of a hero may become counterproductive, particularly if it dis-empowers your subjects. Generally, for mangers, occasional heroic acts may help their subjects feel they can imitate and depend on