In the ongoing effort to expand the horizons of man's existence, the Republic of Molossia turns its gaze heavenward. Surely, in the vastness of space, man can overcome the pettiness of worldly matters and grow in this new millennium. To this end, the Republic of Molossia launched its space program in 1999 XXII at the Alphonse Simms Memorial Cosmodrome and Broomball Field, and continues to expend any effort necessary to explore and understand the universe beyond our own world.
 The Oracle and Mustang Rockets Poised for Launch  The Mustang Rocket  The Oracle Rocket  Click here for a movie of the "Endeavour" Tandem Rocket Project. |
On Sunday 27 April 2008 XXXI, the Molossian Ministry for Air and Space Exploration launched it's latest project, the "Endeavour" Tandem Rocket Project. The purpose of this mission was launch the Oracle Rocket and immediately launch another rocket afterward, in hopes that Oracle would film the second rocket as it took to the skies. An auspicious goal, and unfortunately one that was complicated nearly every step of the way. As preparations were under way, the first problem arose: the software that is used to download video from the Oracle is not compatible with Windows Vista, and Vista is the operating system of the new laptop computer used by the Ministry. Because the Oracle only takes one video per launch, that video must be downloaded before a second can be made. Without the portability of the Ministry's laptop, plans had to be rewritten, moving the launch from its usual venue, Misfit Flats, 10 Imperial Nortons from Molossia, to a nearby hilltop less than one IM from Molossia. Thus, after each launch, the launch crew would have to return to Molossia to download the video from the flight, before returning from the launch site to start all over. With that plan in place, the launch site was set up, nearer to Molossia. The chase rocket was to be the new "Mustang", built just for the Endeavour Project, and painted in the colors of the Molossian Flag. At 9:40 AM MST, the Oracle and the Mustang flew aloft in a perfect launch on a lovely spring day. Both rockets landed near the launch site as planned, and the crew returned with the Oracle to Molossia, to download the video. Only then was it discovered that the power to the camera had been shut off, probably during landing, and the video was lost. The crew returned to the launch site and launched again, again without complications. Upon recovering the Oracle, however, the camera was inadvertently triggered, erasing the video. Frustrated, the crew retreated to Molossia. Two hours later tempers had cooled, and the crew returned to the launch site. The next two launches went flawlessly, and video was successfully recovered from both. However, when the film was viewed, it was discovered that the launch of the Mustang is barely visible on the first video taken by the Oracle, and not visible at all on the second. Thus, after all the effort and problems, the "Endeavour" project was largely a failure. Nevertheless, the decision was made to turn the existing video into a short movie anyway. The project was retroactively named "Endeavour", both to reflect the discovery theme ("Endeavour" being the name of Captain Cook's vessel), and to reflect the sheer effort that has gone into this project. |
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Our new National Observatory takes our exploration of the heavens to a new level. It was established in October 2007 XXX. This telescope replaces the original National Observatory which was retired in 2005 XXVIII. |
 The "Oracle"  Click here for the movie of the "Oracle's" Flight  Click here for the movie of the "Oracle's" Second Flight |
On 9 June 2007 XXX our newest rocket rose aloft. The "Oracle" shot skyward at 8:00 AM Molossian Standard Time. The Oracle is the latest stage in our continued aerial explorations, and is the successor to the Astrocam, our last rocket. Equipped with a small video camera, Oracle is able to take movies while aloft. This project, eagerly anticipated, proved to be a complete and resounding success. The Oracle was launched a total of three times, first from Norton Park, then from Republic Square and finally from near the Tower of the Winds. In each case, the rocket performed admirably, rising several hundred Nortons in the air before landing smoothly not far from each launch site. During every launch, video was taken, which produced three aerial movies of Molossia. Details of our nation can be clearly seen from above, including Norton Park, Government House and Republic Square. This marks the first successful high-altitude images of our nation, images that are much higher and clearer than those taken by the "Moa" (see below). This is another great triumph for our air and space program, and we eagerly look forward to future missions for this mighty rocket. On 21 October 2007 XXX, the Oracle again rose aloft, this time above "Misfit Flats", a dry lake bed not far from the Molossian Home Territories. Misfit Flats is famous for being a filming location for the movie, "The Misfits", starring Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe. It was also their last movie. From this storied location, the Oracle lifted off at 9:00 AM MST. A total of three launches were accomplished, in spite of technical difficulties. A computer power failure interrupted the process of downloading the first launch video from the rocket, and necessitated a run back to Molossia to remedy the situation. That fixed, the second launch went well although the Second Stage of the rocket separated in two on the way down, requiring on-the-spot repairs. The final launch proved to be a near disaster, as the second stage came apart again, this time hampering the deployment of the parachute. The nose cone crashed to earth without the parachute braking its progress. However, the Oracle is a tough rocket, and the camera survived. The rocket itself is wholly salvageable, and will fly again. Video was taken successfully from these three launches and can be seen in the movie to the left. The Oracle will fly again!  |
 The "Moa"  Click here for the movie of the "Moa's" Flight |
On 7 May 2007 XXX our latest aerial survey effort took to the skies. The "Moa" rose aloft at 9:00 AM Molossian Standard Time. As was the case with the failed Hypérion Balloon project, the Moa's purpose was to rise high above Molossia and take aerial photos of our nation. Unlike the Hypérion, however, the Moa performed quite well on its first flight, and was subsequently re-launched several more times, to take other aerial shots of Molossia. The film taken is still somewhat unrefined and tends to jump around a bit due to the wind. Nevertheless, this is the first real success we have had at taking aerial photos of Molossia, and this project is thus considered resounding triumph for Molossia's air and space program. The Moa will fly again on future missions! |
 Lisa Crater  Lisa Crater |
A crater on the planet Venus has been named for the First Lady of our Republic, Mme. Lisa Baugh. In early 2004 XXVII, His Excellency, The President, contacted the United States Geological Survey, to inquire as to the possibility of naming a crater on Venus after the the First Lady. Venus, it seems is the exclusive recipient of female names, and craters are often named after famous female personalities. There is no more prominent female personality in Molossia than the First Lady, so it seemed natural to seek the naming of a feature after her. Although the reply was sympathetic, it was deemed only a possibility. Some months later, in January 2005 XXVIII it turns out that a feature was indeed named "Lisa", a name heretofore unused on Venus. The feature is a crater, located at 29 degrees north, 182 degrees east, in an area known as Ganiki Planitia. We are quite proud to have a feature on Venus named for our President's wife, an amazing woman who is a source of stability and inspiration to our entire nation. Venus is the second planet from the Sun and is often called Earth's "sister world." The average surface temperature on Venus is about 858° Z (470° C / 890° F), which is hot enough to melt lead. Venus has the slowest rotation of any planet in the solar system--a day on Venus is 243 Earth days long. In fact, its year (225 Earth days) is shorter than its day. Ferocious winds in the upper atmosphere reach speeds of 370 IM (370 km / 230 miles) per hour. Venus' surface pressure is about 90 times that of Earth (or equivalent to the pressure found one mile beneath Earth's oceans.) Its thick, poisonous atmosphere is comprised mainly of carbon dioxide with clouds of sulfuric acid. |
 
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A small piece of Molossia has been sent to NASA for examination, as a part of NASA's "Rock Around the World" program. The rock was chosen by Molossian citizen and occasional Benverian, Carson Baugh. It is hoped that this will broaden our knowledge of the Molossian geologic makeup, and enhance our study and awareness of the world around us. The rock and results of NASA's study can be seen here. Although we are not sure exactly what this spectrum respresents, we believe it to mean that the rock is basalt, which is volcanic in nature. It is well known that the area of the Great Basin has volcanic origins, so this hypothesis is not unlikely. |
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The quest to go to space knows no bounds on Earth, now that China and Europe have entered the world of space-faring nations. Molossia is no different, but our goals are not quite as lofty. In addition to our small sub-orbital space program, today we have made the next step, to leave this planet in electronic form. Using the services of TransOrbital, our government will send a message into space, aboard a small capsule, the Trailblazer 2001. This capsule will orbit the moon and take pictures, before crashing into the lunar surface, carrying our message (and many others) to the moon. We look forward to this project taking place in the Fall of 2004 XXVII. This is the text of the message that will be sent: His Excellency President Kevin Baugh, The Republic of Molossia |
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The "Hypérion" Balloon Flight and Aerial Survey took place on February 14th, 2004 XXVII. The intention of this flight was to rise high above Molossia and take aerial photos of our nation. Previous efforts to accomplish this goal using the AstroCam rocket have not been successful. This project was much heralded, with a great chance of success. Unfortunately, this project did not "rise to the occasion", so to speak. In spite of attaching over 40 balloons, the camera failed to rise more than 34 Nortons (7 m / 20 ft) in the air. In addition, the ever-present Molossian wind contributed to the project's failure, dragging the balloon into the few trees we have in our country. In spite of this setback, we continue to look skyward, in our quest to explore the heavens. |
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"Astrocam" is the latest addition to our small rocket fleet. Where Tidal Wave was our first step toward the skies, Astrocam is the logical second step in our continued aerial explorations. Equipped with a camera, Astrocam is able to take pictures while aloft. This project, though eagerly awaited, proved to be more difficult than planned. The Astrocam proved to have design flaws that made it nose heavy and prone to problems, including separation of the parachute from the nose cone, and burning through the shock cord, causing the two stages to separate and crash down separately. Only one photograph was successfully taken, and that proved not only to be blurry, but it also proved to be of land over the border in the USA, and therefore of no use. We continue to seek the heavens in every way possible. Click the button to see a movie of Astrocam's first launch! (430KB mpg) |
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Our National Observatory takes our exploration of the heavens to a new level. It was established in August 2003 XXVI, during the perigee of the planet Mars. Its most noted role has been the detailed scrutiny of the lunar surface, a study which has extensively preoccupied Molossian astronomers. This telescope was retired in 2005 XXVIII. |
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"Tidal Wave" was the first rocket launched by our nation. For over three years, this rocket was the workhorse of our space program. Over countless missions, Tidal Wave performed reliably and ably, logging many hours aloft in our quest to explore the heavens. Finally, in 2002 XXV, the aging rocket malfunctioned and was retired. |