Could NASA ever have more than 1Shuttle Mission at the same time?

Answer 1

They do have two launch pads and three shuttles, so it is not impossible. But as others have pointed out, they don't really have the resources to do two at once.

Answer 2

Short answer: Theoretically, but not if NASA can help it.

Long answer: Before the development of the International Space Station, plans for rescuing the crew of a disabled shuttle consisted of sending a second shuttle into orbit. The two craft would be unable to dock; the plan consisted of two astronauts performing an EVA, transferring the crew between the two craft using "rescue balls" with portable oxygen supplies. Technically, this would be more than one shuttle mission at the same time.

After the ISS, rescue plans called for the shuttle to use the station as a lifeboat, while a second shuttle was readied for launch at an accelerated rate. During this time, however, the disabled shuttle would be undocked autonomously, then initiated a normal reentry sequence; if it somehow survives reentry intact, NASA controllers would then guide the shuttle in for a landing at Edwards AFB. If it doesn't survive, it burns up over the Pacific Ocean. But since both shuttles aren't in orbit at the same time, it doesn't count.

Answer 3

Nothing prevents this, except that there's no need for NASA ever to launch more than one Shuttle. Each flight takes a LOT of money (see source 1 below), and NASA's role is to spend that money.

Clearly, NASA has no problem doing this, but why would it burn through that budget any faster than it has to? The Shuttle doesn't provide a service anyone's paying for, after all; the flights are ends in themselves.

If it does manage to make money with a payload or two, (which in fact it has done) that rates, perhaps, a bullet point for a NASA visitor center brochure. But it's not NASA's job to make space resources, such as staggering amounts of solar electric energy, available on Earth, for you and your children.

NASA's manned spaceflight program is mostly a federal jobs program; it's mission is to keep various NASA centers open throughout the United States. After all, it takes about *twenty-five thousand* workers (Source 2) to prepare a Shuttle for each flight.

What happens to them when the Shuttle doesn't fly, like it mostly hasn't for the past three years?

Absolutely nothing. They get paid whether or not the beast goes up into orbit.

The Shuttle is a federal subsidy for favored congressional districts. There is no need for NASA to fly more with the Shuttle, or with any other space vehicle. QED.

Answer 4

Technically, yes. Logistically, No. NASA has its hands full with one Shuttle in the air much less two. Back in the days of Gemini, they did at times send more than one manned capsule into space to practice rendezvous and docking, however there have never been more than 1 shuttle in the air at one time. Another reason is also because NASA wants a regular launch cycling for the shuttles and since there are very few active (only 3 now) if more than one is up then they have to refurbish 2 when they return. 1 takes a up to a month or more, then the rebuild of the system. So, while one is up another is being prepped to be sent up a few months later.

Answer 5

They could, but it would be ridiculously expensive and difficult. It wouldn't be worth the trouble. For one thing, just the enormous cost of it all would blow them away. For another thing, training TWO shuttle crews at once?! They'd be pretty booked up. Houston Mission Control would go crazy, too!!! There wouldn't be enough hours in the day to help control two missions, or more! And right now, they're all just glad that the last shuttle mission went ok. It would be really nice, especially for the astronauts-to-be waiting in line for their mission, but I don't think that's even gonna be considered anytime soon.

Answer 6

They could.
I think the reason they don't is the refit times. After each shuttle mission, the shuttle has to go through a fairly lengthy process to get it ready for the next mission - and I don't think they could refit two at a time.

Answer 7

no. too expensive to be mass producing shuttle after shuttle. lot of time and prep needed for one and doing too many at once will lead to more frequent disasters.

Answer 8

I wish that they had, before the last Shuttle tried entrance, before it exploded on entry!

Answer 9

Sure, there are know known laws of physics preventing this!