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August 2, 2005
Replacement Ideas for Space Shuttle Look Good
I'm a big fan of the Space Shuttle. Heck, I'm a big fan of the whole space program. Sure, it's got its problems, especially in the cost department, but that doesn't mean that American doesn't have the coolest space tools government money can buy. As much as I love the Shuttle, though, I think it's time to put it out to pasture. That's why I'm especially glad to see some good ideas for its replacement.
The great thing about these ideas for replacing the Shuttle is that it doesn't require a ground-up redesign. The existing booster-rocket design can be re-used. In addition, a large portion of the current external tank design is very similar. On top of the whole thing, in the cargo version, will be a capsule capable of carrying 100 tons of stuff. The Shuttle currently maxxes out at 20 tons. If this new idea represents an 18 Wheeler Mac truck, the Shuttle would be a Ford E150 van. Don't get me wrong, I like a Ford E150, but it has some major limits.
The Space Shuttle doesn't need replacing because it's a failure. It doesn't need replacing because of risk, age, or the need for a sexier model. Quite simply, we should be looking at more effective ways to launch larger payloads, for less money, more often.
In the end, I think we'll be moving to a two-model system of space travel. One will be a collection of private corporations that will supply services to private and government clients. The other will be military. When that happens, access to space will open up greatly.
Posted by Lockjaw at August 2, 2005 11:14 AM
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Comments
I also am a big fan of the Shuttle and 1970 Plymouth Roadrunners but technology has moved ahead and there are new and improved things out there just waiting to be used. Yes keep the tried and true rockets to lift the 100 ton loads into space but its time to trade in and up to a new type of shuttle. Lets use new engines like the scram jet and get a flying launch platform up as high as we can and do weight economy launches. If we could get rid of all the corporate greed from aerospace contractors and government waste we would be a lot further along on the dream.
Posted by: RayM at August 9, 2005 9:28 PM
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