It will also boost my site traffic and speaking as a starving writer, this is a good thing!
And now for the news...
The latest announcement from NASA administrator, Mike Griffin, was a bit of a surprise to me, only because I'm not an engineer and I hadn't thought of it. They are apparently ready to go with a new CEV by 2010 by using the existing shuttle propulsion system with a new crew capsule. One solid rocket booster to low-earth orbit. The shuttle uses two, plus the main engines. Ingenious, I must admit.
They suggest in this article at SpaceDaily.com they can utilize one reusable solid rocket motor for a crew capsule, or stack the boosters for more lift. Also, the shuttle main engines can be utilized as further propulsion; both have already been rated for human-lift capability and are well known to scientists, engineers, crew and technicians.
According to the article, Griffin made the point much better than I ever could:
"I report to the president," Griffin said. "The president has said we're retiring the orbiter by 2010, and that's what we're doing."
In addition to speeding up development of the CEV, which is NASA's next passenger ship, Griffin is examining alternative ways to fly components of the space station to orbit if delays or problems preclude delivery by the shuttle.
"The shuttle is inherently flawed," Griffin testified recently before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee.
"It does not have an escape system for its crew. We all know that since human perfection is unattainable, sooner or later there will be another shuttle accident. I want to retire it before that flight can occur."
In fact, I firmly believe in they can do what they say and design a better Space vehicle, by making use of the technology they have right now. It is time to tear the shuttle apart and build a better mousetrap. The shuttle is a bus; it's time for a touring sedan.
No comments:
Post a Comment