Comment Re:Rockwell? (Score 1) 193
Speaking of Rockwell, why not retrofit our favorite Space Shuttle Orbiter?
Well then I have a plan!
Prerequisites:
1) Figure out a way to get a 2ndary external tank (ET) still full of LOX + LH2 into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Keep it In the shade of something so the fuel components stay cryogenic.
2) Figure out a process to re-attach the shuttle to the 2ndary ET in orbit via spacewalk
3) Figure out a process and system enhancements to restart the Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) in vacuum
4) Seal the shuttle orbiter crew module better to support a long-duration trip (less Atmosphere loss)
5) Put additional H2 + O2 fuel cells in the cargo bay and plumb them into the existing fuel cells
6) Put small lander or environmental module in the other half of the cargo bay. This will provide shielding and habitat for Long Duration Trips
-- 2 & 3 are problems that would require some significant investigation but are not impossible
-- Shuttle can haul 56,000 lbs to LEO, so 5&6 shouldn't be an issue. Fuel cells can provide water, power and O2
Action Plan:
1) Get Shuttle to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) via normal launch
2) Attach 2ndary ET to Shuttle via a docking process.
3) Re-Fire the SSME's using the fuel in the newly attached 2ndary ET
4) Go study nearby celestial body of interest (moon, mars, asteroid)
5) Return to Earth and land like a champion space plane.
What do you get from all this:
1) A proven vehicle for launch, orbital maneuvering, and landing
2) Known system for life support for at least 30 days + extended duration from additional fuel cells.
3) Existing ground preparation facilities and processes to make this happen within 2-3 years after the prequesites are solved.
Otherwise we're probably looking at 15-20 years before a manned vehicle orbits Mars, given testing, rampup and other time constraints for an entirely new system.
