Re: Interesting.

Post #377,857 by altmann 7/10/13 3:49:23 PM Reply	Re: Interesting. Was thinking the same thing. I wonder how much the mass needed for landing fuel compares to the extra mass of lugging around aerodynamic surfaces on the Shuttle compares.
Post #377,859 by drook 7/10/13 4:26:36 PM Reply	Still think they should do ballistic drop crew capsules Simplest technology, fewest moving parts, lightest weight. The only reason for something like the shuttle is if you plan to bring back large objects. The only things big enough to need the shuttle, and valuable enough to warrant the expense, are not in LEO, and thus not available to the shuttle. I'm struggling to see the benefit of this project. It's a great technology demonstrator, but what's the use case? -- Drew
Post #377,869 by malraux 7/10/13 8:15:31 PM Reply	Reuses more of the vehicle As long as the extra fuel is cheaper than the sum of the parts that are recovered, it's economically viable. Regards, -scott Welcome to Rivendell, Mr. Anderson.
Post #377,870 by drook 7/10/13 8:21:57 PM Reply	That's a big "if" It's not just the fuel for the landing, it's the extra fuel to get the landing fuel up there to begin with. And the extra weight of the tank for that extra fuel. And the extra fuel for the weight of the larger tank. etc. etc. etc. Weight is a problem that compounds quickly. Sure, there can be a point where the lines cross, and this demo sets some parameters for drawing those lines. -- Drew
Post #377,872 by malraux 7/10/13 8:56:36 PM Reply	Presumably they've done the calculations And arrived at a number they can live with. Regards, -scott Welcome to Rivendell, Mr. Anderson.
Post #377,876 by drook 7/10/13 10:01:27 PM Reply	Depends on the question you ask though, doesn't it? Which leads to my opinion on the shuttle. They wanted a reusable craft, then came up with the justification afterwards. -- Drew
Post #377,879 by folkert 7/10/13 10:29:55 PM Reply	But honestly... That is how the whole space thing started isn't it? -- greg@gregfolkert.net PGP key 1024D/B524687C 2003-08-05 Fingerprint: E1D3 E3D7 5850 957E FED0 2B3A ED66 6971 B524 687C
Post #377,880 by malraux 7/10/13 10:33:20 PM Reply	Different thing... Shuttle: designed by committee to be excellent at nothing. SpaceX is a business. Regards, -scott Welcome to Rivendell, Mr. Anderson.

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