Orbital Space Plane Problems

FTL writes "NASA's next big step in space (after getting the remaining Shuttles flying again) is the construction of the Orbital Space Plane. It is a small vehicle designed to transport people to and from ISS. Jeffrey Bell takes a close look at OSP in this article and comes to the conclusion that it will result in yet another crippled vehicle. Sounds like what people were saying about the Shuttle's problems back when it was being designed."

Comments

there is a company with an interesting design

[the_2nd_coming]

and the prototype is working.

they used a modified 747, and a special tow line. they then tow the orbiter up to very high altitutes and launch the orbiter.

the orbiter then ignights its rockets and because it it already high in the atmosphere, it can use half the fuel of bullistic launch.

Re:there is a company with an interesting design

[WhiteBandit]

That company is Kelly Space and Technology based in San Bernardino, CA. (Which is right down the street!)

More of the same

[ChuckDivine]

OK, NASA still looks screwed up.

Possibilities we must consider:

• Space travel is really beyond us.
• Space travel is beyond current day NASA. Given current management problems, that is looking increasingly likely. The Washington Post now has a special section on the Columbia disaster.

What should we (the United States in particular and humanity in general) be doing?

• One thing is support the X Prize. This will provide alternative experience and data to the NASA monopoly. The more attempts we make, the better. The greater the variety, the better.
• Since NASA is a U.S. government creation, U.S. citizens should write their Congressional representatives, citing articles such as this one by Jeff Bell and the Washington Post section linked to above. It's time for some light and heat to be shed on this agency.
• Look for investment opportunities if you have the money.

Compact Car

[n1nj4k3n]

From the article:

But, sometimes when you're just going for a drive or taking a trip, you don't really need a bus, a moving van, a construction truck, a science lab, or a race car. Sometimes, a simple compact car would make traveling a lot more convenient and less expensive. The same principle applies to spaceflight.

I wonder if NASA has considered actually bringing some compact car makers as consultants. How would Honda, Mitsubishi, or Toyota would go about tackling these problems? Combine the efficiency of the Civic or the Insight with the existing X-plane aerospace technology of Lockheed Skunkworks and Boeing, and see what happens.