Re: Radical Idea: Allow commercial flights on the shuttle again

And you of course are in charge. Seldom in my experience is there any chance
of anyone doing things just because its apparently right to do so. So many
ramifications on employment and vested interests to consider.

Brian

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"Jeff Findley" <jeff.findley@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:e245d$4aa908ee$927a2cda$21549@xxxxxxxxxxx

"Greg D. Moore (Strider)" <mooregr_delet3th1s@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in
message news:tdidnbYTVqZ0djXXnZ2dnUVZ_vidnZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After reviewing the Augustine Commission preliminary report, I think I'm
in favor of option 4B. I think this is one of the more realistic and
feasible options.

However, one concern is shuttle utilization. With the low flight rates
discussed here and elsewhere (probably 2-3 a year), the individual flight
cost is quite high and there is a lot of hardware sitting around and
probably a number of employees not being fully utilized.

I would recommend that NASA permit USA to fly 1-2 flights a year to
launch commercial payloads. Assuming a marginal cost of perhaps $200
million, NASA should charge $300 Million/flight. I suspect that for 2-3
satellites, this may still be cost effective.

Worst idea ever. The commercial launch industry in the US does not need
the government competing with them. It's bad enough that NASA has wasted
billions trying to develop Ares I which is in the same payload class as
the heavy EELV's.

And then there is the vibrational and acoustic environemnt on the shuttle
which isn't so great to say the least (due to the large SRB's). It's not
something that you'd likely choose to fly a sensitive payload on if you've
got all liquid fuel launchers (possibly with small SRB strap-ons) to
choose from.

These flights would be flown with a minimal crew of say 4.

Yes, there are risks, increased chance of loss of life or a vehicle.

But, it permits the crews to stay in shape and helps reduce costs a bit.

Just a thought.

One that few people would agree with.

Jeff
--
"Take heart amid the deepening gloom
that your dog is finally getting enough cheese" - Deteriorata - National
Lampoon



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