Versatile Chemistry for the Red Planet

When you need tools or parts for something you're working on around the house, you head to the nearest hardware store. Space travelers don't have that luxury and may have to make their own tools and parts on long duration missions like the journey to Mars. Scientists and engineers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, are using data from International Space Station experiments to study liquids that may be used to help make valuable tools when exploring deep space.

For a decade, the Materials International Space Station Experiments (MISSE) were attached to the outside of the space station, where more than 4,000 materials were exposed to the harsh space environment. This included a special class of liquids, called ionic liquids, and a novel epoxy that scientists are studying to learn how these liquids tolerate the environment outside the orbiting laboratory. The members of this family of fluids have low melting points, and are not as flammable as many conventional chemicals. They also have extremely low vapor pressures, meaning they don’t easily evaporate and are easier to retain in the vacuum of space.

“Because of their unique chemistry, we can use ionic liquids to extract both metals and oxygen from lunar or Martian soil at about the same temperature you’d bake a cake,” said Laurel Karr, a materials scientist at the Marshall Center. "The metals could then be used in a 3D printer for needed parts, and the oxygen could be used for life support or propulsion."

Ionic liquids could be used as chemical drills to dissolve regolith on the surface of Mars, said Karr, thus extending the life of drill bits that future explorers, both human and robotic, would normally use to probe the Martian surface.

“We drill into the surface of a planet or asteroid to acquire samples for geological investigations," said Karr. "With this fluid, we could bring up samples in a liquid form for chemical analyses right there on the drill site.”

NASA is interested in these ionic liquids not only for their many uses for exploration missions, but also because they are environmentally-friendly chemicals. Metal extraction technology using the liquid could remove precious metals from ore without the environmental impact of some current methods used on Earth. For example, nickel is conventionally processed by smelting the material at 1,350 degrees Celsius and using sulfuric acid, which is impractical in an enclosed spacecraft due to the toxicity of the acid. Ionic liquid can remove nickel from a meteorite under 200 degrees Celsius.

Scientists are also testing ionic liquids as part of a life support method in space by extracting carbon dioxide from the air and breaking it down to create oxygen for breathing and methane for propulsion.

Many of the ionic liquids can even be filtered and recreated using electrolysis and hydrogen, making them useful recyclable materials in space and on Earth.

One type of ionic liquids that are of particular interest are epoxies. Richard Grugel, a materials scientist at Marshall, and his colleagues have been systematically studying epoxies made from ionic liquids, finding them to be very strong, able to bind well with carbon fiber and resist the extreme temperature of cryogenic liquid oxygen and hydrogen.

In 2013, two different ionic liquid-based epoxies were flown on MISSE-8. After two years of exposure to the space environment, the epoxies were recovered and returned to Earth on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Examination of the liquid samples showed some darkening due to solar ultraviolet radiation, but no cracking or de-bonding, and no change in weight or adhesion.

"These attributes suggest the epoxies could be used to make carbon-fiber composite tanks for cryogenic liquid storage," said Grugel. "This can provide a significant weight reduction over aluminum ones currently used to launch spacecraft."

Microcracking can lead to leaking, and has been a challenge with early composite cryogenic tank designs. Testing is underway at Marshall on composite overwrap pressure vessels -- small metal tanks wrapped with commercial carbon fiber using ionic liquid epoxy -- to determine if the ionic liquid is a viable material to construct these tanks and make them stronger.

“Studies are showing this family of versatile liquids could not only be used to build and repair the spacecraft to get us to Mars, but also help us survive and make new discoveries after we arrive,” said Grugel.

As MISSE demonstrates, science takes time, and research results often keep paying off decades after experiment samples are returned to Earth. The MISSE project has made it possible to evaluate the performance, stability and long-term survivability of materials and components used by NASA, commercial companies and the U.S. Department of Defense. Many spacecraft safely operating today have MISSE to thank for successful operations, because they are made of the most suitable materials for the space environment. The first Martian explorers may have MISSE to thank for innovative materials and processes that help them survive on the red planet.

Easy Application for Travel Insurance Online

So you've finally decided to go for a trip abroad. Perhaps you have already packed all your things but you may be forgetting one thing – your travel insurance policy. Do you have it already or you still haven’t got one?

Well, if you forgot to secure travel insurance, there is no need to panic because you can easily purchase one online. There are many internet facilities that you can make use which allows you to purchase a policy in seconds. 

Communications nowadays is far better through the internet. It is fast and easy; aside from that, it can also be used to obtain different information that you may need. The internet is a necessity and not just a luxury. You see, now you can book airline tickets, shop for groceries online, and many others. 

At present, it is now possible to purchase travel insurance through the use of the internet. Simply type the words 'travel insurance' on the search box of your favorite search engine and you can access multiple sites that can cater to your needs. The profiles and company names will be displayed on the search results. All you have to do is check each of the insurance providers to determine the best one that can meet most, if not all of your needs. 

You have to choose from different kinds of policies in travel insurance. You can find backpacker, business, medical, multi trip, and single trip insurance policies. To identify the policy that suits you, you must first identify your insurance needs first as well as your financial standing. 

There are several advantages when you apply for travel insurance through the internet. It can include – 

• No lengthy paperwork
• You can get a discount by purchasing a policy online
• You can save time and energy because you don’t have to travel to and from the physical offices of the insurance providers
• You can get several quotes in one sitting at home or in the office
• All you need is a good working computer and a fast internet connection

Now that you know the advantages in purchasing travel insurance online, you will never think of shopping for it offline. 

Packing your things can take time so you don’t need to waste time in buying travel insurance offline because now there is an easier and faster way. Thanks to the internet and the modern technology of today's times. 

Don’t get too excited yet because choosing good travel insurance can get complicated especially if this is your first time. It would be best to ask someone who already has travel insurance to help you out in your search. Start by making a list of your traveling needs and then your budget at the moment.

Remember that you have to spend on other things other than the travel insurance. You have to make hotel reservations, some petty cash on hand, purchase airline tickets, and many others. Find a travel insurance policy that you can afford but at the same meets most of your needs. The insurance provider should also have excellent records in serving their clients. 

Log on to the internet now and conduct a search on travel insurance online. All the information you need is already there. All you have to do is to familiarize yourself with the different information provided. Apply now and get ready to travel abroad without worries.

Weather Resistant iPhone Cases

Weather Resistant iPhone Cases

One of the most requested accessories for the iPhone is the weather proof case.  The importance of having an iPhone case that is weather proofed is extremely high, mainly because the iPhone does not have extreme amounts of protection.  While it is an amazing phone with incredible capabilities, it is quite vulnerable to the elements.  Thus, if you are stuck in a rain storm, you may find that your iPhone is not completely safe by simply resting in your pocket.

If you live in a city that gets decent amount of rain, or if you simply want to protect your iPhone from the outside world, than you will want to purchase an iPhone weather-proofed case.  But what are the best cases for this type of protection?

If you have searched the marketplace for weather resistant iPhone cases, than you have probably noticed that many of them are bulky and, quite frankly, unattractive, while this may be true for many weather resistant iPhone cases, it isn't the truth for all of them.  There is one case that is stunning, both in its appearance and also in its ability to protect your iPhone from the harshness of Mother Earth.  This iPhone case is the OtterBox Defender Series, which is a smart and rugged case that will add a certain style to your iPhone.  This case still allows you to have full interaction with every feature of your iPhone, including pictures, all while giving you true water-resistant technology.  

It doesn't matter what type of iPhone that you currently have, whether it be the 4GB model or the 8GB model, they will both fit in this iPhone case.  One of the coolest features about this iPhone case is the fact that it allows you to have full interaction with the iPhone screen, while still protecting it.  This is made possible by a unique membrane that has been patented due to its unique ability to give you such accurate interactivity, while still giving you weather resistant protection.

Actually, you are getting three complete layers of protection within this case, which is much more than many other "weather resistant" cases.  Another feature that makes this iPhone case so unique is the fact that it is completely wrapped in silicone, which has two great purposes.

The first purpose is to allow you to have a seamless grip on your iPhone, so you will be less likely to drop it while walking throughout your day.  And the second reason the silicone is such a great feature is because it will protect your iPhone if you do accidently drop it.  Normally if you drop your phone, you are scared to even look at it because you don't know if the screen is cracked, or if it is completely broke.  However, because of the silicone you will have superior protection against accidental damage.

It should be noted though that the silence switch is not available to use when your iPhone is in this case.  So, if you must silence your iPhone, it is suggested that you do so before you put it into the weather-proof case.  

Can you use your iPhone overseas

Can you use your iPhone overseas

If you are a business professional, than you use your iPhone for more than simply keeping in touch with your friends and family, in many cases your iPhone is your link to the business world.  Whether you are keeping track of your stocks, checking your e-mail or conducting conference calls while on your way to a business meeting, your iPhone is literally your key to keeping connected with your professional life.  However, if you are like most business professionals, than you travel the globe in order to keep your business active and profitable.  There are many concerns that people have with cell phones are whether or not you will be able to use your phone when you are in a different country, especially if you are visiting for an extended period of time.  

Like most cell phones, the iPhone works with a particular cell phone carrier, and in this case you have your service through AT&T/Cingular.  Many business professionals want the security in knowing that their cell phone service will not be disrupted simply because they travel from country to country.  Since the iPhone is serviced by AT&T/Cingular, you will not have to worry about loosing service, or features, because the iPhone uses the GSM system.  GSM is an acronym that stands for Global System for Mobile communication, thus allowing you to use your cell phone in many different countries.  Actually, there are over one hundred countries around the world that use GSM, thus allowing you to keep using your iPhone without any hindrance to cell service.  

Many business travelers go to Europe and Asia, and since their iPhone uses GSM, they are able to have excellent service throughout both of these locations.  However, there are some precautions that you will want to take before you leave the country with your iPhone.  If you have ever traveled throughout the world and used your cell phone, you were probably surprised by extremely high charges for phone and data use.

This is because your number is an American telephone number, thus every call you make within another country is looked upon by your carrier as an international call.  If you are overseas for quite some time, than it is easy to accumulate several hundred dollars worth of fees and roaming charges, this is why you will 

want to alter you calling plan if you travel overseas frequently.  

AT&T/Cingular has really great international calling plans that are very cost effective.  Thus you are able to still travel throughout the world without having to worry about roaming and international call fees.  Also, if you use data on your iPhone, which most of you do, you will want to make sure that you have an international data plan as well.  The worst homecoming surprise you can get is opening your cell phone bill only to find several hundred dollars worth of extra charges and fees.  However, if you plan ahead and make sure that you obtain a new service plan that includes international cell phone use, you will not have to worry about extremely high charges. 

the love in egypt

In Istanbul's Ataturk Airport was Tunisian Fathi eggs was going to meet his son who belongs to Daash and save him, but he died in the bombing is likely to Daash carried out, last Tuesday, which killed more than fifty and wounded hundreds, did not save his son, the father, died the bombing was carried out by the organization belongs to the Son. Leave Brigadier doctor Fathi eggs, a doctor Army Tunisian country and went to Turkey to meet with his son Aldaashy, son of the thousands of Tunisians have left Tunisia a few months ago to Turkey, accompanied by his girlfriend and from there to Syria and joined the Daash, and fought against in the ranks of the organization, before crossing the new Turkey, where They were arrested in the Turkish border post. Father traveled to meet his son in Turkey, in a bid to save his son from detention in Turkey, or salvaged from Daash, but the man was the victim of a terrorist bombing at the airport. The young son of the well-off family taught at the Faculty of Medicine, one of the thousands of Tunisians have joined terrorist organizations fighting in Syria. Contribute within a proxy war involving many of the devices, local and international parties and making a mess spokesman Jihad disappointed. Tunisian father was betting on to save his son from prison and Daash, but he was on a date with Daash and blow killed him with others. Maybe the father was thinking about why he led his son, who he knew well and spent it well, to Daash, how his mind was kidnapped by terrorists. And they turned to killing machine like thousands of young Tunisian and Arab and even European, and before that accommodates the father claimed the idea into reality is crowded with paradoxes. Ironies do not stop .. Turkey, which targeted Daash, the entry and exit of members of al-Daash and the victory and the militants station. The signs of what looks like a non-aggression between the Turkish troops and militias in Syria agreement, there are Russian accusations that Erdogan's son Bilal participation Daash theft and smuggling of oil from Syria and Iraq. The reports and pictures of the terrorists are receiving treatment in Turkish hospitals. Theoretically Turkey, a member of the alliance supposedly fighting Daash, actually Turkish collision occurred when the Russian bombing of Russia announced Daash. Today Turkey is trying to appease Russia for shooting down Russian aircraft a few months ago, is facing ten bombings in months was greatest at the airport. Turkish paradox in parallel with the paradox doctor Tunisian Fathi eggs given by the Fates to death in a suicide bombing to organize Daash. Instead, to save his son claimed is himself a victim Daash, Turkey faces terrorism grew and grew on its territory, like all of the thought of riding the tiger, and the paradoxes of the conflict and politics in the Middle East to stop.

what ever known; it has lost because of the tricks of the whale skin

Mesh far never shows us the center of "beggary ads" and the marble and Algtath Ptall days states, which trades people ill and their handicap and poverty on the satellite channels, Declaration of a man long bold seems to be the misery of the whole world, he says, "My name is Ahmed I Mastour Thankfully Ayesh and be as divided Li God I am his children and mother of his children; somewhat Delaney bad friends on railway stock and Aaratny .. what ever known; it has lost because of the tricks of the whale skin and the fallout has become a Alhdidh..tatefk alone mesh adequacy .. I donate to the victims of the stock market, even a pound ".. !! If some cursing from my words that some exaggeration and irony; I assure free and full mouth and even swear is Hant; that there are actually victims of the Stock Exchange lost skin and the fallout and became a Alhdidh..oogelbhm paralyzed and sugar, pressure and Kulb..okl due to play and manipulation that occurs in the stock market . It reads the Egyptian Stock Exchange's books over the last three years, making sure that what is happening where, without the slightest exaggeration, is part of a big conspiracy aimed at weakening Egypt economically and politically .. and so do not accuse me of any one that I morbid conspiracy theory .. or I who riding the air .. Let's read together what happened and is happening in the stock market the day and the hour that you want ..! Let's start on Sunday last June 26, which could be described as "Black Sunday" in the stock market history; where they lost market capitalization, and the EGX numbers and not any one else numbers 0.16200000000 pounds, which represents the fifth-biggest loss in the stock market history, the as I recall. Ironically, the reason for the collapse of a very strange announcement of the result of the referendum on Britain out of the European Union .. Perhaps this leads us to wonder what would have happened if that Egypt is out, not Britain ..?! Because without understanding the money market Foula experts have expressed surprise at this collapse; which represents a backlash very exaggerated by traders in the stock market. Perhaps this day reminds us of the "black Sunday" the first of June of 2014, where the stock market has lost in the first half hour of trading more than ten billion Gnih..tm jumped losses reaching at the end of the session to more than 19 billion pounds, which is the fourth largest decline in the stock market history Entire..! One might ask what is so very serious reason that led to the collapse of the Egyptian Stock Exchange PTC's ..?! The reason my pillow is a presidential election, which was conducted at that Aelloukt..fma start of polling on May 26 began the exchange in Alhbot..ostmrt well until I reached the peak on Thursday 29 Mayo..tm collapsed on the first Sunday of June .. !! Some because the issue was a blatant has echoed the cause of the collapse is the government's declaration of its intention to apply the capital gains tax on transactions Alborsh..aaslaaaaaaam ..! Which is why Wah of reasons, which is what Allah has sent down by the Sultan, which Echtlgaha whales bourse to justify what is happening in the Blaoy of play and manipulation ..! Because the whales bourse their hands "Taalh" As they say are challenging everyone to understand; where waving losing its shares to seventh Sama and descend the other shares of its trump seventh Ord..don that no one dares to tell them followed Atalath cam. Have addressed in many articles, at intervals, such as those Alhalat..ohy still it exists so far unfortunately. What happens to the shares in the stock market has nothing to do at all the performance of listed companies, which are represented by these shares .. which means that there is something wrong, and that there are those who play under Aturabisah and stir price trends for the destination he wants without any regard to the performance of companies or positive events the private sphere or the public. It may be useful to recall here, simply anniversary no more, that most of the global economic crisis started from the global economic Alborsh..valozmh started from Wall Street on October 24, 1924 due to lack of stock express their real profits for companies Tani .. say .. due to lack of stock express their real profits for companies; which led to the collapse of the value of the stock until it became cheaper than paper Alkelinxs, and the inability of investors to pay off their debts to the banks .. Bnuk..vovelst closed industrial enterprises have been laid off their workers ..! This is my pillow dangerous play in the stock market, and do not reflect the seriousness of the shares traded on the real conditions of their companies, a fact that seems to be based on the stock market has yet to reckon with. Overall I think that put an end to what has been happening in the stock market far exceeds the head of the stock exchange and chairman Almalah..fma watchdog authorities happening is, as I said, part of a grand conspiracy against Egypt and the Egyptian people .. and the government should intervene quickly to investigate what is going on in the stock market and put to what extent exposure to the manipulation I believe that behind some of those who do not want good for Egypt.

comparison with the arbitrariness and intransigence toward the sharm

To those who deny the existence of a plot to subjugate and containment of Egypt after June 30, invite them to hopes the facts and attitudes after the events of the shooting and explosions streak at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, and put it in simple statistical comparison with the arbitrariness and intransigence toward the Sharm el-Sheikh airport after a Russian plane that crashed 20 minutes after the accident take-off in an atmosphere of Sinai in October last year did not end the investigation on them until today. Ataturk Airport is the largest airport in Istanbul, capital of Turkish tourism, receives annually from 25 to 30 million tourists, as one of the most airports in the world famous and busiest, and when the airport of this importance is exposed to penetrate security scandalously up to militant fire from an automatic weapon on the passenger, then the infiltration of suicide bombers into the airport and blew themselves up inside, to kill 50 passengers and afflict more than 140 others, we are in front of a comprehensive security chaos in this airport, leading immediately to close it and prevent flights to and from it until the comprehensive reform of the security flaw. Was not Ataturk Airport, which is incident on the European side of Istanbul incident first disastrous suffered by Airports capital of Turkish tourism, has suffered Airport «morning Jochen» in the Asian side of Istanbul, a few months ago to a major terrorist incident, in the same Ataturk process method, Shooting followed by the bombing, and killing a woman and wounding another and serious damage to five planes, and failed to Turkish authorities and the security of the airport for determining the nature of the blast so far, is it a missile fired at the airport or that the fighters of the Kurdistan workers' Party arrived in the vital areas of Istanbul, or what? In the first incident, it announced the Ministry of Transport and the security of the Turkish different, making unloading cameras and questioning workers to the airport in the strictest confidence operations, with the alarm on the media by turning off the light on the incident and the blackout on any information about him, and helped to silence the international and considering what happened an internal affair of Turkey, despite the damage to foreign airline companies from the incident. In the second incident, it did not pass only 12 hours and announced that all the unions and companies Western airline to resume flights to Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, durable large risk to travel through this airport after a security breached on a wider scale, and despite the terror waves that hit the whole of Turkey is following both through the elements of al-Daash or PKK members or through individual wolves who roam the Turkish territory as a gateway to Europe and the world. In contrast, had been a Russian for a plane crash in the atmosphere of the Sinai since October 31 last, after the crash moments were the British and American media talk about the terrorist incident and the responsibility of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis for the world, did not pass hours but began proceedings suspension of British, American and Canadian flights to and from Sharm airport Sheikh, becoming the wave of the Western media are all set to the necessity County Airports Egypt and not Sharm el-Sheikh airport just up the reform of the security flaw terrible, while flowed inspection missions of all international stakeholders aviation industry and awarded the Egyptian airports highest valuations in terms of safety and security, however continued Western attack exposed and it reached understanding to prevent the British-Russian tourism to Egypt! We innocently ask: Why did not happen with Turkey ten rabid international campaign that we've had, and why the American and British newspapers did not rush to fabricate stories and lies about the already fiery situation in Turkey, as happened with us? And why international stakeholders have not accelerated safety procedures at airports to re-assess the situation of all Turkish airports or interfere with the security services in the world major airports that receive flights from Turkey to review security procedures for passengers and cargo planes? However we are able with God's help on the face of Western plans as we have faced in the past, yes capable Union and awareness to face the conspiracies and the siege and to build our economy and our country to work and innovation and make the effort, the world is not the West alone Bmabaderh and plans, but the world also does not recognize nor respect, but workers hardworking and innovators seeking in addition to human civilization, and we have the history and the ingredients can be to win the battle of economic development, confrontation and restoration of prestige in the region and the world.