And that they sold the blueprints for the Apolla shuttle to a Russian as memorabilia and forgot to make copies of them and now they can't figure out how to build something that will make it there?
2007-10-08 09:23:22 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
They are working on a new vehicle now (see the first source). But you are right that many of the old records have been lost. Engineers have actually been going to museums to study Apollo hardware on display (see the second source).
2007-10-08 10:19:09 · answer #1 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, considering that we didn't use a shuttle to get to the moon in the first place, I'd say the answer to that part of your question is a resounding NO!!
As far as recreating Apollo, I'd say that one is pretty bogus, too. What a silly question -- there are thousands of copies of the blueprints for the Apollo project extant.
But we won't use a reproduction of Apollo to return to the Moon. The Saturn V rockets are all gone, and we use much more poserful systems now, because we have learned so much in the intervening 30+ years. Plus we'll need something much, MUCH bigger, with far more lift and cargo capability if the intention is to construct a permanent station on the moon.
Then let's add on the absurd concept that the whole system would have to be "perfectly safe" -- "zero risk" -- and you can see that it is going to take a great deal of convincing before anything happens, no matter what the President wishes.
And you can guarantee that Congress will be having their fingers in even the most miniscule details. Ever hear about the horse designed by committee? They came up with a camel. That's what will happen to the Moon Landing system if Congress gets their mitts on it.
But to claim that we can't design something to get us to the moon is absurd. The problem isn't *designing* the system, it is getting the FUNDING to do so. With Congress busy giving all our money away to illegal aliens and welfare -- excuse me, "entitlements" -- programs, they're unwilling to appropriate the necessary funding to do the job.
2007-10-08 11:24:39 · answer #2 · answered by Dave_Stark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, its not true--not that some of the idiots we have in the government aren't that stupid.
NASA knows how to build an advanced shuttle--and a lunar exploration ehical as well (they are two differnt systems).
In fact, NASA has, since 1990, started several projects to build an advanced shuttle that would be far more capable than the Orbiter currently in use--and be safer and a lot cheaper.
The Republican Congress killed every one of them--supposedly to "save money." What we are going to get is a "replacement" that consists of modified shuttle technology and a 1960s style Apollow-type crew capsule. With about 1/8 the payload of the Shuttle. That's all NASA can build with no funds for research and development.
Of course, they are also spending some of their oney--on Bush's orders--to do research on the space station to "combat terrorism." Maybe he's afraid that Osama is building a spaceship in his cave in Pakistan (no, I'm not kidding--he really did order NASA to stop much of their sceintific research for this!).
2007-10-08 09:48:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can't get to the Moon with a shuttle; it requires a much larger launch vehicle. The US hasn't needed that sort of power for many years, so hasn't got a suitable launch vehicle. It will require a new design anyway, because of advances in propulsion technology.
2007-10-08 09:34:15 · answer #4 · answered by GeoffG 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What are you smoking?
The Shuttle didn't go to the moon, a Saturn V launch vehicle did.
Several of them in fact.
Sold the design to the Soviets?
Come on, man.
Get a grip.
2007-10-08 09:27:35 · answer #5 · answered by Bobby 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
i highly doubt that. theres just no real reason to go to the moon/
2007-10-08 09:27:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋