Space shuttle replacement?

[Travis398]

Sounds like there isn't one, yet. But they're dishing out some some cash to find it.

http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/04/18/6490259-nasa-funds-next-gen-spaceships

[pdxfj]

That's one of the rubs with canceling the Shuttle program.  There is no replacement.  Only concepts at the moment.

We have to rely solely on the Russians to ferry us to the space station and back.  Even then, there are heavy restrictions on who is able to fit in the Soyuz capsule.  It is a one time use system and we must wait for the Russian's to finish building and testing before we can send anyone up.

[FJ Flyer]

The Orion capsule is still being built and tested.  Constellation was cancelled, which was the capsule and the Ares rocket.  The Orion will continue, to be put on top of an alternate launch system (purported to be a lower cost system.)

[chapindad]

It is my understanding that the shuttle was expensive to maintain because it was designed with military use in mind.  That NASA was really never happy with the design because of the expense and has been looking to retire for a long time.  The military is testing a smaller shuttle now that NASA may be able to use at a later date. 

[andyoutandabout]

Get Rittner on the job. Have it done by next Wednesday.

[Pat Conlon]

....We have to rely solely on the Russians to ferry us to the space station and back.  Even then, there are heavy restrictions on who is able to fit in the Soyuz capsule.  It is a one time use system and we must wait for the Russian's to finish building and testing before we can send anyone up.

Hey Garth, since the fall of the USSR in 1990, we (USA) are funding the Russian space program. We might as well a get something back from our investment.  We are and have been spending BILLIONS of dollars every year to fund work to employ Russian (ballistic/nuclear) scientists and (ballistic/nuclear) engineers. You didn't think that mother Russia was paying them did ya?
Failure to fund: Want them to go to work for the highest bidder? China, North Korea or Iran? Thought not.

At this stage in our economy, I'm for privatizing all space related activities....'bet you will see more efficient/cost effective delivery systems.

[SkyFive]

Get Rittner Burt Rutan on the job. Have it done by next Wednesday.

[Arnie]

Get Rittner Burt Rutan on the job. Have it done by next Wednesday.

Yay!!! Burt Rutan !!!