Recently, I read in the papers that the US is planning to go back to the moon by 2018. However, I am surprised to learn that the type of vehicle and the equipment used is similar to that used in the 60s and 70s. That is to say, they still plan to use multi stage rockets, lunar modules, etc. This is contrary to what I had read in the papers and journals shortly after the moon shots in the 70s which speculated about large freight spacecrafts and passenger spaceships in the early 21st century.
Why should the US use something so similar to the yesteryears? By the time the US returned to the moon, it will be nearly 50 years later. Shouldn't the US have developed some type of new vehicle by then? Shouldn't they have used a vertical lift off shuttle or something, or even a flying saucer? Shouldn't technology have advanced by then for the US to do so?
2006-07-03 17:00:19 · 9 answers · asked by GeorgeRock 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Because without a actual "goal" such as the space race, the US has been sorrily lacking in improving it's space program. The shuttles weren't meant to be used as long as they have. Had the goverment had a actual interest advancing the space program we would have improved upon the multi stage rocket level. The space station could be developed as an orbital launch platform by 2018, an improved shuttle design could be refueled and launched from space. The only problem I could see is the refueling for leaving the moon.
2006-07-03 18:26:46 · answer #1 · answered by cha_mor39 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
because in the "yesteryears," that kind of spacecraft actually got people to the moon. Why spend billions of dollars on a completely new type of space craft when you have something that already works? And is the design really that important when all one needs is the actual information or whatever you get from going to the moon? Also, the current design actually is quite efficient for space travel, but I'm sure that if NASA got a different, more efficient design, they might use it, but they probably haven't gotten one yet.
2006-07-03 17:09:27 · answer #2 · answered by bananaster 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all I agree with the 'no goal' comment. But the multisage rocket/ lunar module design was proven reliable and successful. We have had enough black eyes in the space program recently that tried and true could help save face. That may be the reason.
2006-07-03 18:35:31 · answer #3 · answered by NukinHawg 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes in 2010 they will be relieveing the space shuttle of its duties and switching back to the rockets and capsule type stuff but itll be more updated for the flight, they are expected to return to the moon by the 50th anniversary of the apollo missions in 2019
2006-07-03 17:05:15 · answer #4 · answered by thequestionguy 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, come to think of it, it will be 50 years later. So why are they still using this type of space craft?
2006-07-08 22:34:11 · answer #5 · answered by Falcon 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
mark summed it up perfectly.
Money and politics.
politics: poli from the Greek poly meaning many and
tic meaning blood sucking parasite.
2006-07-03 17:06:11 · answer #6 · answered by quntmphys238 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
money
politics
its the easiest thing they can do
i could go on but im bored
2006-07-03 18:24:43 · answer #7 · answered by Mickey 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If it ain't broke... don't fix it.
2006-07-07 20:41:42 · answer #8 · answered by astroman300000 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
money..bottom line..
2006-07-03 17:04:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋