CuddlyRocket - 21/5/2006 1:04 PMNow as enthusiasts, we can debate the merits of the decision as long as we like. And historians may well do so for all time. But that's different from campaigning to change it. I wouldn't support such a campaign if I was an American because NASA needs to get on and do - whatever their motivations.
kraisee - 21/5/2006 4:55 AMThe term "Shuttle derived" is still true for the CLV and CaLV. They clearly still have the STS hardware as their primary heritage line. They are evolutionary designs, A similar comparison might be the Atlas-V has virtually no common parts with the heritage Atlas-II which was just retired, yet they are still considered related vehicles.Ross.
lmike - 20/5/2006 11:49 PMThe ESAS is/was *a* solution. It's been revised quite drastically over the past months. Sorry to say, but I agree that now "shuttle derived" is now a misterm. So the plan is malleable. Very malleable. But no matter. The VSE is the objective. Explore beyond LEO. Go back to the Moon. That's one interpretation. Formulating the objective is half of the solution as any good engineer will tell you. Still the die has been cast. I think it's a valid solution, and I hope it works, and presents no roadblocks down the road. I think it'll work, just in as much as the Apollo worked (although, it's not an Apollo at all with the 1.5 launch scenario) I'm very much interested in what others, "in opposition", have to say, and I see no lack of hard data on their part. The problem is the interpretation. EELV based ESAS could also work. COTS based ESAS could work. We can now "massage" the existing approach based on the feedback from the contractors. Still I fear there is not much time left to fix the overall approach, downselects, and planning specific hardware orders, and what not. Come 2008, and NASA is still deliberating on the engines for the first stage of their heavy lift, it's game over.
MATTBLAK - 21/5/2006 12:34 AMFACT #2): Shuttle SRMs are the most powerful man-rated rocket motors in the world. End of story. They EXIST and a 5-segment version has already been tested.
Kayla - 21/5/2006 2:55 PM Some of us believe a different direction is required to keep the program sustainable. We should express that.