Build the Shuttle-C Configuration

[john_316]

<br />I think for heavy lift and the purpose of remaining and retaining lift capability we should build on the Shuttle-C concept idea or what have you. <br /><br /><br />Why?????<br /><br />The idea however is that it will never carry Astronauts and just carry purely cargo. CEV can be on Delta or Atlas unless its a modified Service Module....<br /><br />The ET and SRB system is affective and upgrades can then be added with minimum cost. Until a single stage to orbit vehicle is designed and used, which will take 20-30 years at the present rate of technology and design.<br /><br /><br />Examples:<br /><br />ET based Space Islands Group ET Space Station. Five (5) can be orbited as Presidentual Executive Order by President Reagan. Use the 5 segmented boosters for altitude gain.<br /><br />ET based Keel for New Mars Vessel. Pretty much using the PXO as above. The ET can serve as both fuel and storage for the Mars bound Nuclear vessel. It also could contain expanded equipment for the trip.<br /><br />1 or 2 ET's can form a Keel with 2-4 Inflatible Habitats connected to a Nuclear Rocket and Command Section providing room for fuel, food, and resources. The ET attachment points could also be used to dock the Mars or even Lunar Landers.<br /><br />A modified ET type of vessel can be used to move between the earths GTO/GEO to Lunar Orbit for lunar landings. But not to land the ET. <br /><br />Thus the ET can even be used to carry ores for large or even small ore processing in an orbital processing facility. <br /><br /><br />Why wastes billions to completley go to hundreds of clean paper designs when we can operate with 5-6 American launchers in a span of 30 years. <br /><br />Why not make use of the equipment and technology we have now and upgrade it as we can. And yes retire the Shuttles in 2010 as planned.<br /><br />I know it makes too much sense but it will keep people employeed and it will also add to space based presence we all want.<br /><br />The ET stack is still good for something other than cor

 

[drwayne]

There have been several discussions here on the Shuttle-C concept.<br /><br />Wayne <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>"1) Give no quarter; 2) Take no prisoners; 3) Sink everything."  Admiral Jackie Fisher</p> </div>

 

[yree]

The Hercules External Tank Applications<br />NASA Robert Goddard Station<br />This station would be used for R&D to counteract zero gravity, by testing exercising and vitamin supplements. Creating artificial gravity by rotating space station also by using a small device that spins the astronauts like a centrifuge. Also they will work on filtering devices, more powerful batteries that will power spaceships and robotic probes that will travel to Mars and beyond. Propulsion devices and test nuclear thermal rockets (NTR) system.<br /><br />Commercial Station<br />There will be commercial micro-manufacturing and space hotels once the capability is there to launch them. These will be the primary thrust of private space stations. Some of these external space stations will be placed near asteroids for mining purposes. There will be rotating space colonies where employees will live.<br /><br />Military "Jimmy Doolittle" Space Station<br />The Department of Defense "Jimmy Doolittle" Space Station will be used to clean up space junk, as well as photo reconnaissance, signal intelligence. It can also be used similar to G.P.S. if some attack results in shooting down the G.P.S. satellites. Also it will be the space based location where space based bombers and other assets can be stored. It will also have the capability to attack space stations, spacecraft, and satellites of hostile nation states and non state actors. It can defend against missile attack and incoming asteroids and comets. To get to this location you will ride the "Clementine" military capsule or a classified space plane that the US Air Force may be working on at this time.<br /><br />Concluding<br />The Hercules, or shuttle derived vehicle, can be made into a heavy lift rocket, medium size rocket, or small rocket using some of the same basic components. The external tanks could also be used as rooms or extensions to existing space stations. There is the possibility to modify the external tanks to be used as interplanetary