P
pberrett
Guest
Hi all<br /><br />I understand that there are no plans to leave the shuttle in space once the ISS is finished.<br /><br />However the shuttle is a large vehicle and would add a significant amount of extra space to the ISS if left docked there. What do readers think of the idea of launching the shuttle on its last mission with a minimal crew who can then return to earth on a separately launched Soyuz? <br /><br />The shuttle could then close its bay doors and somehow this could be sealed thus creating a large amount of extra space for use on the ISS. I do not know whether this would require welding or perhaps an inflatable type module to provide the necessary air seal. <br /><br />This would add a substantial amount of extra space to the ISS and would be considerably cheaper than building a new module for the space station. It might even be possible to leave two shuttle attached to the ISS for even more space.<br /><br />Even if the space was not used the shuttle has value as an airtight space vehicle. There would be merit in leaving the structure in space for some future use.<br /><br />Thoughts please<br /><br />cheers Peter