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- Xref: sparky sci.space.shuttle:2775 sci.space:16102
- Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle,sci.space
- Path: sparky!uunet!hela.iti.org!aws
- From: aws@iti.org (Allen W. Sherzer)
- Subject: Re: SSTO Viability (was: Shuttle replacement)
- Message-ID: <1992Nov19.150400.24961@iti.org>
- Organization: Evil Geniuses for a Better Tomorrow
- References: <1e8qk2INNccc@spock.usc.edu> <1992Nov17.181045.29655@iti.org> <ewright.722117294@convex.convex.com>
- Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1992 15:04:00 GMT
- Lines: 43
-
- In article <ewright.722117294@convex.convex.com> ewright@convex.com (Edward V. Wright) writes:
-
- >The second goal is vastly more important than the first. If the flip
- >manuever proves problematical, the next vehicle could be redesigned
- >to use a more conventional base-first reentry (like Apollo).
-
- Agreed but with one minor nit. The flip maneuver allows DC to use existing
- conventional bell nozzles. The GD design could enter base first but had
- to have an aerospike nozzle to do it. Since aerospike nozzles have never
- flown, that would add another risk to the propulsion system.
-
- >Nothing that doesn't have "ecological disaster" in its title has
- >the ability to fascinate Al Gore.
-
- Hmmm... this gives me an idea. Maybe the way to sell SSTO to Gore is
- to emphasize the non-poluting fuel it uses. Deltas and Titans burn
- nasty stuff which wold cause problems in large quantities.
-
- >However, Milton Freidman used to tell a story about geese and politicians...
- >[story deleted]
-
- >The critical test, I think, is public opinion. If the American
- >people get really excited about this, Clinton and Gore will quickly
- >move into the "I said it was a good idea all along" camp.
-
- Exactly! And we need to let them do it and thank them for it.
-
- >When a project goes from zero visibility to the network news, it makes
- >all the difference in the world because most politicians (and most
- >Americans) don't care about anything that doesn't make the network
- >news. (Let's just hope the launch happens on a slow news day.)
-
- We need to do other things as well. There was an article on this in
- a recent issue of Design News and the British newspaper The Guardian
- is also working on an article.
-
- Allen
-
- --
- +---------------------------------------------------------------------------+
- | Allen W. Sherzer | "A great man is one who does nothing but leaves |
- | aws@iti.org | nothing undone" |
- +----------------------156 DAYS TO FIRST FLIGHT OF DCX----------------------+
-