Often cited as “handing over the keys to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)”, NASA is deeply involved in providing funding and expertise to drive both new and old space companies into providing domestic cargo and crew capabilities to the International Space Station (ISS).
handing over the keys
Overall review of recent and upcoming commercial work:http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/08/countdowns-testing-commercial-space-steps-gear/
Quote from: Chris Bergin on 08/26/2013 01:14 pmOverall review of recent and upcoming commercial work:http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/08/countdowns-testing-commercial-space-steps-gear/I like that you pull no punches in your apt description of the post-shuttle transition. But what concerns me most is that while the commercial crew program is progressing, under the current funding scenario it is progressing toward a dead end for two out of the three contenders. So as the down-select approaches we continue to throw taxpayer dollars down the drain on new systems that will never see the light of day.
Good article, Chris. I wonder how many people are going to freak-out when they see DC heading for the Earth nose-down for a few seconds before the pull-up. Let's just hope that the pull-up and landing result in the ability to further use the aircraft!
As regards the wish - stated earlier - to see a DreamChaser named 'Enterprise' I, for one would like to see a similar vehicle named 'Basil'. Or perhaps 'Sybil'. Not Polly, though, that would be silly.
I'm a little surprised they haven't done a material selection for the TPS yet. Maybe there's an error in the announcement ?Isn't there a bit of weight difference between the various choices, and that would have an effect on other design decisions ?
Any news of additional captive carry tests during the month of September ?