Author Topic: Discovery orbiter (Read 2001 times)

Raider179 · « **Reply #75 on:** August 01, 2005, 05:47:10 PM »

I thought I read somewhere that the shuttle was the only cargo bay long enough carry the trusses or something. oh well thats a good looking rocket right there.

FalconSix · « **Reply #76 on:** August 01, 2005, 05:50:54 PM »

Sure, but the technology remains. I think the french got it right this time around, creating a disposable high capacity launch vehicle that is as simple and cheap as possible. The shuttle was a great idea, but the technology just isn't there yet. Getting close though.

Raider179 · « **Reply #77 on:** August 01, 2005, 05:56:58 PM »

Despite two delay-filled days, the shuttle Atlantis is safely inside NASA’s massive Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) after a brief hop forward in its long road toward space.

Shuttle engineers rolled the Atlantis orbiter into the VAB, where it will be mated to its external tank-solid rocket booster launch stack for NASA’s STS-121 mission, at about 10:20 a.m. EDT (1420 GMT) Friday.

NASA has tapped Atlantis as its second shuttle to launch since the 2003 Columbia disaster. Its STS-121 mission, set to launch in September with astronaut Steven Lindsey in command, is the final test flight to shakedown new orbiter inspection tools and methods, as well as external tank modifications, before the space agency resumes major construction missions to complete the International Space Station (ISS).

The mission will follow the STS-114 spaceflight of Discovery, which is slated to launch at 10:39 a.m. EDT (1439 GMT) on July 26. Atlantis is expected to serve as a rescue ship for the STS-114 astronauts in the unlikely event that Discovery is severely damaged during flight and its crew forced to take refuge aboard the ISS.

http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/050722_atlantis_sts121rollover.html

Didnt know if anyone saw this but it appears Atlantis is not far from being ready. Jeez, what if this shuttle takes damage as well and has to be "abandoned". Two shuttles and a extra person or two onboard the station. I think the problem is related to age/design of the shuttle and the resumption of flight including another "shuttle rescue mission" dangerous and a waste of money.

Chairboy · « **Reply #78 on:** August 01, 2005, 06:01:08 PM »

The Ariane 5 is nice, but the prize for cheap, high capactity launchers has to go to the Russians for the Proton. Better reliability then the Ariane 5, cheaper (A-5 is around $200 million, Proton for about $50 million), it's a good deal.

I'm not selling 'em, I just have a fine appreciation for a quality product that sells for a good price.

FalconSix · « **Reply #79 on:** August 01, 2005, 06:10:20 PM »

Really? $50 mill for a proton? How much can in haul into orbit? Can it reach GTO?

Chairboy · « **Reply #80 on:** August 01, 2005, 06:14:48 PM »

It'll deliver 20,000 kg to LEO, 6,000 kg to Geosynchronous, and 5,800 kg to the moon (or anywhere else). Roughly the same as the Ariane 5.

FalconSix · « **Reply #81 on:** August 01, 2005, 06:22:20 PM »

For a quarter of the price. Remarkable. I wonder how long the russians will manage to keep the price that low.

eskimo2 · « **Reply #82 on:** August 01, 2005, 06:44:38 PM »

Someone help me, I see stupid things everywhere:

eskimo

CyranoAH · « **Reply #83 on:** August 01, 2005, 06:53:12 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Chairboy
It'll deliver 20,000 kg to LEO, 6,000 kg to Geosynchronous, and 5,800 kg to the moon (or anywhere else). Roughly the same as the Ariane 5.

Currently the Ariane 5 launcher (evolution) can deliver 10 Tons to GEO, and they are delaying the 12T Ariane 5 until the industry is ready for it.

The funny thing about it is that if there's no competition to deliver 12T, no satellite manufacturers will go to that mass, so Arianespace is, in fact, collaborating with the competition so that they can offer 12T vectors as soon as possible.

Daniel

FalconSix · « **Reply #84 on:** August 01, 2005, 07:19:50 PM »

Just heard on the news that Discovery has tile damage on the underwing surface. They're trying to glue her back together in orbit.

FiLtH · « **Reply #85 on:** August 02, 2005, 12:06:04 AM »

Yeah I picture ships like the "Eagles" on Space 1999.

CyranoAH · « **Reply #86 on:** August 02, 2005, 03:34:50 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by FalconSix
Just heard on the news that Discovery has tile damage on the underwing surface. They're trying to glue her back together in orbit.

Got any links? I watched some hours ago the MMT briefing at NASA TV and the only thing they mentioned was the EVA operation to remove the gap fillers. Other than that, they were good to go.

Daniel

Chairboy · « **Reply #87 on:** August 02, 2005, 09:07:10 AM »

I think that's what he's talking about. First time in shuttle history there's ever been someone spacewalking under the orbiter.

NATEDOG · « **Reply #88 on:** August 02, 2005, 09:35:31 AM »

A picture from Discovery's past.... my buddy helped engineer the camera used in the photo.

Nilsen · « **Reply #89 on:** August 02, 2005, 10:08:10 AM »

NASA, Sputniks and ESA should really try to design a new shuttle thats simpler and cheaper to maintain. There should be enough brains and $ too do it. Now i belive ESA is working with the russians to build some sort of shuttle. NASA is prolly working on somthing and the Chinese are prolly doing the same.