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Next NASA Vehicles To Resemble Shuttles

Posted by Zonk on from the stick-with-a-good-thing dept.

ausoleil writes "Spaceref.com has an internal NASA memo outlining potential plans for the next generation of launch vehicles. They will closely resemble the current Shuttle and use some of the same hardware. Of course, they plan to leave the exploding parts out of their next versions. From the article: 'NASA has decided to build two new launch systems - both of which will draw upon existing Space Shuttle hardware. One vehicle will be a cargo-only heavy lifter, the other will be used to launch the Crew Exploration Vehicle.'"

5 of 205 comments (clear)

  1. That's just great by Chmcginn · · Score: 5, Insightful
    As such, while much of what is done by the existing infrastructure and workforce at KSC will be similar to what is done for the Space Shuttle system, it will likely require a much smaller workforce. While members of Congress from the space states will be happy to hear of a new launch system - one that retains some existing infrastructure - they will not be happy to hear that jobs will be lost.

    So, as always, (good science/actual military need/sensible budget-keeping (pick appropriate phrase based on article) ) takes a backseat to Senator Whosit saying, "You won't cost my state jobs!"

    --
    Have you been touched by his noodly appendage?
  2. Re:Nice to see an Ares stack finally getting props by Seumas · · Score: 5, Insightful

    First cynical point: They'll be using the existing shell design, because they're going to use existing everything. We pay billions, they claim to have redesigned everything, they redesign nothing. They make a few minor cosmetic changes and we all live under the assertion that we live in a brave new NASA world of progress once again while some beaurocrat reappropriates the money for his own black-ops.

    Second cynical point: If our one big goal is to go BACK to the MOON within the next decade (or was it twenty years?), why do we need such new complex spacecraft? We did it in April of 1969 with the computing power of today's calculator, but we need a complete overhaul to manage to do something we already did almsot four decades ago?

    I'm seeing us spending a lot of money here. Doing a lot of grunt work here. Yet, all we're achieving is the same thing we've already achieved. How disapointing.

  3. So, to go forwards... by payndz · · Score: 4, Insightful
    ...it's necessary to go backwards. Expendable stacks and capsules rather than re-usable orbiters.

    On the one hand, I'm glad. The Shuttle has proved to be a horrible waste of money, a boondoggle of 1970s technology dictated by political pork and military paranoia rather than being designed for an actual specific purpose, and I'm glad it's going to be replaced.

    It's just a shame that the only way we can get people out into space seems to be with 1960s technology rather than 2000s. At least, under the current government-funded model.

    --
    You must think in Russian.
  4. Re:What's On The Drawing... by fm6 · · Score: 4, Insightful
    ...is NASA is doomed to repeat the shuttle experience again by using the new vehicles for the next 30 years without having anything new in the pipeline?
    Short answer: of course. The political situation that created the disastrous Shuttle is still in effect, only more so. Which is: politicians need to be seen to be backing manned space travel, but don't have any incentive to give it real funding. So NASA gets enough money to keep one manned space program going (barely!), and no more.
  5. This isn't FARK, leave the crude headlines to them by ayeco · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Please, have a little respect. The "exploding parts" comment in the headline was uncalled for and childish.