Talk:List of Component Vendors

Do all of these vendors sell components, or do some not belong here. Also, what vendors here belong on other, as yet uncreated lists, such as launch system vendors?

--Strangelv 11:44, 2 January 2007 (PST)

That depends on our definition of components versus systems or whatever.

Most of the vendors listed I would describe as systems vendors, rather than component vendors.

Charles F. Radley 12:45, 7 January 2007 (PST)

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Please clarify.

To my knowledge, all listed are aerospace component and sub-system vendors or provide these services on a contract basis except:

1. SpaceX. This company has not yet completed their planned "Dragon Capsule" which is planned to be launchable on their own Falcon 9 and ULA Delta 5 rockets. The Delta 5s are undergoing a study to determine the cost to man rate this rocket. SpaceX is also a launch system vendor.

2. Armadillo Aerospace. Not currently offering any components. This company was the only participant in the 2006 Xprize Cup's Lunar Lander Challenge. The lander launched successfully and reached the target but suffered the collapse of a leg upon landing. Lander was unable to complete the return trip.

3. Bigelow Aerospace. Currently producing prototype inflatable modules for use in space habitats and research stations. Modules are in testing and are not yet being manufactured for sale.

4. LiftPort group includes companies researching and producing carbon nano-tubes for research and experimentation. End goal of company is to develop technologies to enable the construction of "space elevators"

5. Masten Space Systems. Launch systems under development as of this date. quote - "XA-1.0 will take a 100kg payload to over 100km altitude on a sub-orbital trajectory several times in a single day. It is part of a line of spacecraft that will eventually achieve orbit and provide cislunar transportation services." On closer inspection, this company is a launch system provider and should be moved.

6. Rocketplane Kistler. K1 module still in development. Module is a stand alone launch system. Company should be moved.

Many of the companies listed are also system vendors.

I have not looked at Microspace. It was already on the list.

Jarogers2001 22:00, 2 January 2007 (PST)

Again I am not sure I understand the criteria. A component I generally regard as a chip or a tank or a rivet.

The first Bigelow aerospace module is now in orbit, which puts them further ahead than all of the other companies you listed. The Genesis module is a fully functioning spacecraft, downlinking video from orbit. No way that can that be described as a “component”.

Anything which contains a processor and/or a power source and which actually does something in space I regard as a system.

All the companies you listed are systems vendors.

Somebody like Dupont, who provides composite materials, or ATK who provides rocket motors and pyrotechnic devices, I would class as a component vendor

Charles F. Radley 12:45, 7 January 2007 (PST)

When I created the link to this list I was thinking of thrusters, engines, processors, control systems and the like (Micro Aerospace Solutions being a perfect example), not complete off-the-shelf solutions. Should we split this list up or at least subdivide it? -- Strangelv 13:00, 7 January 2007 (PST)

I was thinking of "components" in the context of off the shelf hardware for a manned or unmanned lunar mission. Links for module and launch companies have now been made. Should I remove all of my additions that do not deal purely in individual pieces? How would you like to divide the list?

Jarogers2001 18:39, 7 January 2007 (PST)

Create one or more new lists to move them to, such as List of Space Station and Module Companies? We probably also need a parallel category development to make these things easy to find after we'v created at least the stubs. -- Strangelv 21:14, 7 January 2007 (PST)

Sounds good to me. Jarogers2001 21:37, 7 January 2007 (PST)