some ISS questions

[fatal291]

ok a few questions about the ISS. <br /><br />-When will it be completed?<br />-With the shuttle retired, and after seeing the new "rocket" designs how will dock work??<br />-Once the ISS is complete, and 20-30 years have passed is it a possibility it will become anything more such as hotel, or do you think they will be built around the ISS? It is inevitable that one day all the lights will go out if they plan on "ending" the missions. What will happen then?<br />-How secure is it against terrorism.. if at all?<br />-Is it right to assume Mars will be their next big project rather another "space station"<br />-

 

[usn_skwerl]

its scheduled to be complete when the shuttle's retired, in 2010...<br /><br />Orion is to be the next step to space, proposed first launch in about 2013 or 2015...<br /><br />the space flight gurus will answer your questions much better than i can...i just offered what i think i know. <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[derekmcd]

This thread might be better suited in the missions and launches forum. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <div> </div><br /><div><span style="color:#0000ff" class="Apple-style-span">"If something's hard to do, then it's not worth doing." - Homer Simpson</span></div> </div>

 

[heyscottie]

As far as terrorism goes, I'd say it's very secure against terrorism, unless terrorists can capture long range guided ballistic missiles or be given them by a hostile regime. Such weaponry could not, at this point in history, be home grown -- they are major technological devices.<br /><br />I could foresee attacks against servicing vehicles, like shuttles or cargo ships, but not against the ISS itself.

 

[docm]

heyscottie;<br /><br />Unfortunately I can't share your optimism because not all terrorists are independents. Many are state sponsored or actual states. <br /><br />BTW: I like the Ayn Rand sig <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /><br />usn_skwerl;<br /><br />AFAIK there is no budget for ISS past 2016. <br /><br />The choice was no lunar landing or ISS deorbit in 2016 with a full budget for the exploration program. No US participation, no ISS.<br /><br />Of course budgets can change, but I don't see people getting misty-eyed like they did over Hubble. It may, however, survive if the move to designate the US section as a "National Laboratory" flies with the budgeteers.<br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[usn_skwerl]

in the words of "Ted" Theodore Logan: "Bummer dude!"<br /><br />its a shame to see something over two acres in size (356 ft x 290 ft) just go to the wayside. i hope someone decides to pick up the tab for us when it comes time. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[jimfromnsf]

The ISS can't exist without US involvement

 

[usn_skwerl]

precisely my point...it would suck to see it just go to waste after so much has gone into it: scuffed gloves, poking it with sticks, fried computers, etc etc etc... <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[rfoshaug]

I guess a terrorist could visit the ISS as a "space tourist" on a Soyuz...<br /><br />Other than that, even most nations would have huge difficulties damaging the ISS. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#ff9900">----------------------------------</font></p><p><font color="#ff9900">My minds have many opinions</font></p> </div>

 

[heyscottie]

Most nations WOULD have trouble shooting down the ISS. The Americans and the Chinese have demonstrated their abilities to shoot down satellites in orbit. I would assume the Russians have the capability, too. Probably nobody else does at this point.