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Magnum is not compatible with recoverable anything. The recoverable engine pod makes Shuttle-C more cost effective than Magnum for LEO operations. The OMS and RCS pods make it ideal for fine manoeuvring like ISS assembly or other LEO assembly. Magnum is fine for direct throw, but not at all optimum for LEO work.
Yes, Shuttle-C has lower development cost and can use existing launch pads and MLP. The only change from orbiter to Shuttle-C is addition of support struts for the engine pod instead of wing supports. Those struts could be bolted on, making the MLP usable for the orbiter or SDV.
Now tell me seriously, is magnum with upper stage really any better than Ares?
::Edit:: And why would it take multiple years to develop a Shuttle-C with the exact same engines, exact same performance, and almost exact same tortional stress as the Space shuttle orbiter? Aerodynamics will be a bit different due to lack of wings or tail, but it wouldn't require redesigning the ET. As Mike Griffin said, the orbiter is an extremely heavy fairing. If you replace that fairing with a light one, why would it take multiple years?
Finishing the space station:
http://www.thespacereview.com/article/571/1
an essential part of the Vision
Delta heavy for ISS ?
http://www.newmars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2190
Looks like Europe is doing Solar-sails
GeoSail from ESA
http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object … ctid=38980
The GeoSail Technology Reference Study (TRS) investigates the feasibility of performing an in-situ solar sailing technology demonstration, while also doing science measurements in the Earth's magnetosphere.
LISA got cut so they should expect delays to this 'testing' mission
It's been going on some time now - former NASA engineers have spoken out about this ( Roger Boisjoly tried to save them from the first disaster but he was ignored and silenced ). Challenger was a management disaster with neglect for safety but unlike the Rogers Commission - the Columbia board had too many members who are on the government payroll - few changes have been made. Now there are a few more easygoing cowboys who think it seems ok to ignore sensors, have 16 bits of debris flying off your craft, its fine to throw away a layers of safety or crack that Shuttle arm. Maybe I'm being too harsh, Shuttle was a great ship and it done some great missions but no doubt problems remain at NASA.
A huge bulk of inside info can be found here
http://www.nasawatch.com/misc/08.27.03.caib.html
( many workers have posted anonymously )
The first users' manual for Soyuz launcher missions from French Guiana is now available
http://www.arianespace.com/site/documen … index.html
http://www.arianespace.com/site/documen … al_CSG.pdf
Information on operations of the workhorse Russian launcher from Europe's Spaceport.
I wonder if the Euros will abandon LH2 altogether for an all kerolox system. They may wind up spending more money for the Oural and Pre-X nonsense than they would if they kept everything in-house with Ariane-M.
They don't listen to me though.
The big problem is Ariane isn't man-rated...
....or is it ?
Those Boeing guys should not be trying to inflate their numbers, we have enough trouble with pretenders in the private sector as it is without Boeing trying to get in on the act by inflating its figures. I like the Delta rockets but the Atlas boys are doing better and more honest work.
The same company, yes, but not the same facilities... Stennis Space Center has alot to do with the SSME, and so telling congress "we don't need them anymore," especially on the hurricane-struck Lousiana coast where Stennis is located, might be politically radioactive.
true, we must also take the re-building the coast or 'Hurricane-factor' into consideration
Are they getting unfair press and criticism lately ? Maybe so
But the space tourists are often critical of NASA and now NASA seems to be moving away from its co-operative international projects
I said NASA. I think that the current administration has very little stomach for globalism
The NASA boys might, but politics at Washington is getting heated and the budget is a total mess
more good news for Mars
thanks for that news