Great article. I really wish they'd get rid of the "redirect" wording. We are not redirecting anything. We are retrieving a boulder. Calling it a redirect seems disingenuous.
Instead of depressurizing Orion, wouldn't it be better to have an EAM with an airlock? The module could be reused on other missions.
Good article! Here is a related March 2016 NAC presentation on ARRM:http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/6-ARM-Gates.pdf
Sorry, this still makes very little sense to me. If we're going to Mars or the moons of Mars to start. Then all available funds beyond SLS Block 1B and Orion, need to be funneled towards DSH, ISP, ISRU, and Descent/Ascent vehicle(s). As designed, this ARM is a costly and unnecessary distraction. I mean really, if your going to play with rocks around the moon, you may as well just land on the largest rock around...the moon itself.
Landing on the moon would cost much more, because a lander would be needed.
A great read. Just a shame no one has any interest in this asteroid boulder nonsense and it will very likely get killed by the next administration.
Quote from: kenny008 on 03/17/2016 01:43 pmGreat article. I really wish they'd get rid of the "redirect" wording. We are not redirecting anything. We are retrieving a boulder. Calling it a redirect seems disingenuous. I thought they were going to try a gravity tractor experiment--was I mistaken or perhaps was it cancelled?[...]
Quote from: jgoldader on 03/17/2016 06:52 pmQuote from: kenny008 on 03/17/2016 01:43 pmGreat article. I really wish they'd get rid of the "redirect" wording. We are not redirecting anything. We are retrieving a boulder. Calling it a redirect seems disingenuous. OderI thought they were going to try a gravity tractor experiment--was I mistaken or perhaps was it cancelled?[...]You are correct - a gravity tractor phase is still part of the mission concept.
Quote from: kenny008 on 03/17/2016 01:43 pmGreat article. I really wish they'd get rid of the "redirect" wording. We are not redirecting anything. We are retrieving a boulder. Calling it a redirect seems disingenuous. OderI thought they were going to try a gravity tractor experiment--was I mistaken or perhaps was it cancelled?[...]
Great article. I really wish they'd get rid of the "redirect" wording. We are not redirecting anything. We are retrieving a boulder. Calling it a redirect seems disingenuous. Oder