Lastly, I've never been a fan of throwing away our history, so I'd like to see the original station when retired ,boosted into a higher/stable parking orbit( 1000km+) rather than de-orbited.
Whether the ISS makes it to 2020 or 2028 ,I haven't read much discussion or continuing the concept in LEO with an ISS -2.
Maybe because there isnt a real need for a gov't managed ISS-2 or space station for a followon.
I would think the station would then assume a gravity stabilised ,stable orientation where the centre of mass remains on the "down" or earth facing side. The solar electric boost stage used to lift the station's orbit could remain attached and its expended mass would passively help with this gravity gradient stabilisation.
My thinking on retiring the ISS to higher orbit would involve a moth-balling procedure: the pressurised spaces would be opened to vacuum or partially pressurised with an inert atmosphere like nitrogen. The reaction wheels would be spun down and the solar arrays & radiators folded/refurled.And finally the electrics shutdown. It would not then spin itself apart when the reaction wheels fail.
Quote from: Jim on 08/15/2013 02:36 amMaybe because there isnt a real need for a gov't managed ISS-2 or space station for a followon.Well actually there is since any sustainable exploration will require some sort of station, be it surface station on the Moon/Mars/whatever, or orbiting one.
There is no govt with plans for sustainable exploration.
Quote from: Jim on 08/15/2013 02:40 pmThere is no govt with plans for sustainable exploration.This is pretty much our problem.
Quote from: Eric Hedman on 08/15/2013 02:56 pmQuote from: Jim on 08/15/2013 02:40 pmThere is no govt with plans for sustainable exploration.This is pretty much our problem.Is it really a problem? Shouldn't space exploration commercial (non gov't supported), much like the earth was? There were a few gov't expeditions but the expansion was done without gov't funding (they may be support).And I will get on my soap box again, what benefit would a Mars colony be to the US govt and its citizens or any other govt? It is likely that the Mars colonists would no longer be citizens of their former countries. Space exploration for humanity is different than citizens of a country. That is why I believe space colonization will be done by NGO's or commercial entities.
Current Crew methods Dragon, CST-100, Orion, Dream Chaser(I-LIDS)Current Cargo methods, Dragon, ATV, HTV, Cygnus(I-CBM)
The paradigm of govt operated space stations like an ISS-2 is dead in that time frame.
Jim, Each of these systems have projected GEO or GSO deltaV capabilities. Yes at substantialy less cargo mass. I've asked, or completed research that stipulates yes, but additional work on the booster systems, or adapters for other HLVs is needed to go, in order to return full up mass. Currently there is no need for them to go to GEO, but, given a destination and funding the GEO destination is achievable within 5 years.LV changeouts:Dragon would use Falcon H or Falcon XCST 100 would use Delta 5H, Atlas 5H, or SLSOrion would use SLSDreamchaser would use Delta 5H, Atlas 5H, or SLSHTV would use SLS, GSLV, Proton, EnergiaATV would use A6, GSLV, Proton, EnergiaCygnus would use Delta 5H, Atlas 5H, or SLS
Quote from: Jim on 08/15/2013 02:40 pmThere is no govt with plans for sustainable exploration.Sure there is. At least the Russians seems to be firmly on that path, and so is China. I can't imagine that others (especially US) would just stay aside and watch these developments.Quote from: Jim on 08/15/2013 02:40 pmThe paradigm of govt operated space stations like an ISS-2 is dead in that time frame.We will see. Only 20 years ago ISS was just as non-existent. I just don't see any other way.
With the commensurate increase in costs. GSO is a poor place for BEO Gateway station. It makes no sense to combine a GSO depot and a BEO waypoint. Total different requirements. LEO is a better place for a waypoint many reasons.
There is no need for an ISS-2 from the US POV.
a. the Russians just talk about it
b. And who cares about the Chinese. They will find out soon too.
You don't see it because your stuck in the old paradigm. The space race is over. There is no need for the gov't to do it. Much like NASA doesn't need to launch its own vehicles. SLS and Orion will be the last of their kind and still may never be a program like the shuttle.