Gemini on the Moon (1962)

May 22, 2012 | The company would develop a conceptual Direct Ascent moonship design incorporating a two-man Command Module similar to the three-man North American Aviation (NAA) Apollo CM. When NAA contracted with NASA to build the Apollo CSM in  November 1961,... Known initially as “Mercury Mark II,” the spacecraft, which was meant to reach Earth orbit atop a Titan II rocket, was meant to provide NASA with experience with spacewalks and rendezvous and docking ahead of Apollo. For McDonnell, manufacturer of the one-man Mercury and two-man Gemini spacecraft, the study had three aims. While NASA moved ahead with LOR, it hired McDonnell Aircraft Company and TRW Space Technology Laboratories to study Wiesner’s preferred mode. McDonnell would also look at using Gemini for the Direct Ascent moon landing mission. At the time it conducted its study, Gemini’s Earth-orbital maiden flight was scheduled for launch in 1964. Gemini could carry enough supplies for a 14-day Earth-orbital mission. From aft to... Read more »

Can you cut heating costs by using a space heater?

May 22, 2012 | If you're considering using an electric space heater to save money, you'll have to lower the heat in other rooms. As the Department of Energy points out, small space heaters can be less expensive to use, in some cases, if you're only heating one room

Space heaters popular, but come with tradeoff

May 22, 2012 | Better heaters come with 360-degree tip switches that shut down the unit if it falls. If heater power cords feel hot, turn off the unit immediately and check your manual. Small space heaters, called spot heaters, are popular. They heat the area around

2012 Passat TDI big on space, small on fuel

May 22, 2012 | The model we tested was the Trendline+ TDI, which came equipped with fog lights, an engine block heater, heated front seats and 16" alloy wheels, just to name a few of the standard options. With the 6-speed automatic, the price of my tester was