The Atlantis has been delayed and everytime a shuttle launches...something else goes wrong. Dont you think it is time to find the next space vehicle for our astronauts? and if so is there one that you think shows particular promise.
2007-06-09 13:01:52 · 12 answers · asked by joe 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070609/ap_on_sc/space_shuttle
this is the article that sparked the question
2007-06-09 13:08:24 · update #1
Nasa is currently planning to retire the shuttle fleet within the next 5 -7 years. My belief is that it was a poor excuse and at best a stop gap measure that was too expensive to begin with. Although several programs were undertaken as possible replacements for the program none worked out. The current plan is to build a "super apollo" capsule which will launch on conventional high lift rockets. They will be based on the tried and proven apollo capsules from the 70's except much larger. The rockest will be similar to the type used by russia for many many years.
2007-06-09 13:08:45 · answer #1 · answered by randy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are only about 10 or 11 planned shuttle missions left before they retire the fleet. Then it will be up to the Russians to bring supplies and astronauts/cosmonauts to the ISS. NASA is working on a new space vehicle, the Orion, and it is going to be twice the size of the Apollo capsule, and can carry more people. I am training to be an astronaut and hope that i will one day get to command a mission in the Orion.
2007-06-09 13:26:12 · answer #2 · answered by Lexington 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
2010
2007-06-09 13:04:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If i recall correctly, the space shuttles will become grounded in 2010. However, when the shuttle operation ceases, we will be relying on Russia to help us with our space exploration, since NASA will be without a space craft.
Currently NASA is attempting to get as much use out the shuttle missions to complete the new space station.
2007-06-09 13:06:47 · answer #4 · answered by hardcoredlw 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The shuttles are certainly being decomissioned, some decade previous due too. Why? because of the fact the shuttles are quite inefficient as far as launch autos circulate, and NASA can get its payloads to orbit extra affordable by potential of alternative potential. because of the fact they're fussy and unreliable, and NASA likes its payloads to easily launch on time table. because of the fact they're incompatible with the Centaur top point for risk-free practices motives, and Centaur is particularly obtainable for procuring payloads to larger orbits (or out of Earth orbit). because of the fact they're quite much less risk-free than a vertically-stacked multi-point rocket (which could easily abort launch in ecosystem, taking into consideration team escape), and NASA does not like killing astronauts. even regardless of the undeniable fact that, in basic terms because of the fact the shuttles are being retired, does no longer advise that NASA has no launch potential, nor that they are going to by no potential do manned spaceflight returned. @rj: that easily bears no resemblance to reality. decrease than the Obama administration and the linked congresses, NASA investment has in common terms larger.
2016-10-08 21:39:39 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the NASA website. I think they actually have a specific date in mind.
The sad part is: Once the shuttle programme is over, there are no new projects on the table at this time.
2007-06-09 13:05:35 · answer #6 · answered by No More 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tomorrow
2007-06-09 13:04:09 · answer #7 · answered by pipzig 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
2010, 19 more missions says NASA. They are pushing these elderly machines.
2007-06-09 13:04:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In 2048 sometime.
2007-06-09 13:34:45 · answer #9 · answered by jack2x4 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
When we run out of resources to fund it.
2007-06-09 13:03:47 · answer #10 · answered by Freddy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋