*HTML is ON *UBB Code is ON Smilies Legend
Smilies Legend
[b]Shuttle extension assessment[/b] [i]The SSP [Space Shuttle] program in conjunction with Cx [Constellation] and ISS have been asked by the administrator to put together some manifest options to assess extending shuttle flights to 2015. SSP would like to have some options developed for review by senior management by the end of September. The result of the review might be a formal budget assessment of a option(s). We will start by using the manifest team to put together a option(s). I would like to start getting some initial thoughts next week. What I want to do is focus in on initially is what would make sense given the current conditions with ISS and Cx. We have been encouraged not to focus on a certain set of assumptions or costs. We will probably develop multiple options. In my initial discussions with John these are the things I would like to think about: [*]We cant just spread out the 10 flights to 2015, that does not support ISS requirements [*]We will need some new ETs and that's the long lead item so we may need a little "streching". [*]We will have to put orbiters in OMDP [*]We don't want to get in the way of Cx development by holding on to facilities they need (HB3, MLP, Pad , Crawler, Engine Test stands etc) [*]Flight rate is not given [*]Don't necessarily need all 3 orbiters either We want to focus on helping bridge the gap of US vehicles traveling to the ISS as efficiently as possible.[/i]
[i]The Iran/North Korea/Syria Agreement (INKSA) Waiver expires in 2011. While this sounds far off, due to the three-year lead-time required for Soyuz production, this issue is a pressing matter now. The question to be answered is: if the waiver is not extended, how will we return our astronauts from the ISS? How will this affect U.S. presence on the ISS? This topic is at the front of everyone�s mind due to the conflict between Russia and Georgia. NASA has been tasked to study options regarding extension of the SSP to support the ISS. The problem is that the Shuttle was never designed as a primary crew return vehicle. Soyuz-type vehicles are needed for this type of mission. The key item to keep in mind is that whatever is decided cannot impact the Constellation transition.[/i]
If you have previously registered, but forgotten your password, click here.
*** Click here to review this topic. ***
Contact Us | The Source for Space History & Artifacts
Copyright 1999-2024 collectSPACE. All rights reserved.