Hubble vs Ares I

[Testing]

AW&ST states that there will be a conference between Shuttle and Ares I management January 21, 2009. Subject to be regarding priority over use of Pad 39B. Shuttle mgmt states it would be difficult logisticly to support a possible rescue mission to Hubble from the VAB using Pad 39A. This requires a delay of mods to 39B for ARES I test flight this summer. We shall see. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[docm]

With Griffin being out of his office (physically) on Jan 16 and his resignation effective Jan 20 who's to say that Ares I-X will even be a factor by the end of Jan or Feb?&nbsp; I'd bet it won't survive Q1, especially if Maj. Gen. Charlie Bolden gets the nod as the new NASA Administrator.&nbsp; Marines usually&nbsp;exhibit expedited decision making <img src="http://sitelife.space.com/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-wink.gif" border="0" alt="Wink" title="Wink" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[kevin_space_001]

Dump the Hubble.......

 

[trailrider]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>With Griffin being out of his office (physically) on Jan 16 and his resignation effective Jan 20 who's to say that Ares I-X will even be a factor by the end of Jan or Feb?&nbsp; I'd bet it won't survive Q1, especially if Maj. Gen. Charlie Bolden gets the nod as the new NASA Administrator.&nbsp; Marines usually&nbsp;exhibit expedited decision making <br />Posted by docm</DIV></p><p>I hope you are right! (See my other posts about the possibilities for leadership by MG Bolden.)&nbsp; But no matter who gets the nod, much will depend on what the new President and Congress decide is the future of U.S. space policy and objectives!&nbsp; I hope America will lead the breakout from Low Earth Orbit.&nbsp; If not, we will become the Portugal of the Space Age.</p><p>Ad LEO! Ad Luna! Ad Ares! Ad Astra!</p>

 

[docm]

Unfortunately, you're correct about becoming the next Portugul if we don't break LEO. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[shuttle_guy]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>AW&ST states that there will be a conference between Shuttle and Ares I management January 21, 2009. Subject to be regarding priority over use of Pad 39B. Shuttle mgmt states it would be difficult logisticly to support a possible rescue mission to Hubble from the VAB using Pad 39A. This requires a delay of mods to 39B for ARES I test flight this summer. We shall see. <br />Posted by Testing</DIV></p><p>We have been told that the decision date for the Hubble LON launch is Jan. 23rd.</p><p>In my opinion planning to use a single pad for the Hubble launch and the potential rescue mission (LON) is too risky. Launch damage to the pad could easily push the rescue mission out past the window where the Hubble crew could be rescued.<br /></p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[tanstaafl76]

<p>Not to mention the additional risks associated with an expedited process for getting the next shuttle ready for launch with an abbreviated window. &nbsp;Not only do you have to get it ready to go, but then you don't have the luxury of delaying launch until ideal conditions present themselves because you have another shuttle crew to save. &nbsp;Sounds like that winds up compounding the risk and suddenly we are risking 2 shuttles and 2 crews just to keep a telescope working. &nbsp;Are we sure Hubble is worth it?</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>