Re: Perhaps there's hope for NASA yet

In article <1113414527.fc87c2f4603d6724f069707f71eff22b@teranews>,
John Doe <jdoe@xxxxxxx> wrote:
>And CEV still doesn't come close to replacing the shuttle.

It doesn't have to be a one-for-one replacement. The shuttle wasn't a
one-for-one replacement for Apollo.

>NASA also needs to develop a cargo tug with automatic docking/berthing
>capailities...

Why? What is its mission? Once station assembly is complete -- which
will be done with the shuttle -- there is no particular requirement for
single big lumps of station cargo. A modest manned spacecraft with a bit
of cargo capacity and the ability to fly cheaply and frequently could do
an excellent job of station resupply.

Oh, and don't forget that ESA already has development nearly complete on
just such a cargo tug.

>Oh and it still needs to develop a replacement for the MPLM.

A replacement for its *functionality*, yes, but that doesn't mean
something of the same size and specs. See above.
--
"Think outside the box -- the box isn't our friend." | Henry Spencer
-- George Herbert | henry@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
.

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