Alternatives to Shuttle Logistics missions

The way to reduce the Number of Shuttle flights is to reduce the number of
logistics missions.
The options for alternative logistics transport are:
European ATV "Jules Verne"
Russian Progress
Rapidly developed commercial alternative.

NASA can easily persue additional ATV flights in 2007 by simply ordering
some vehicles from ESA on a purchase basis.
Similarly, Progress vehicle production could be ramped up to allow
additional flights in 2007, maybe even 2006.

NASA needs to fast track its commercial alternative schemes.
ATV, Kistler and t/space could take care of some of the larger logistics
payloads whilst progress or some other comercial alternative could take care
of food and water shipments.
My personal preference is to simply purchase logistics flights in blocks of
say 3 from potential commercial providers at say $300m total. Keep the money
in escrow until provider delivers. Set a reasonable price given that vehicle
has to be developed, with the understanding that future purchases will cost
less.
NASA should make this purchase in this way for at least 2 providers.
Follow-on purchases will go to the cheapest provider, again in blocks of 3.

Nathan


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Relevant Pages

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  • Re: Alternatives to Shuttle Logistics missions
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  • Re: Alternatives to Shuttle Logistics missions
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