greg@proxftl.UUCP (Gregory N. Hullender) (09/04/88)
In article <14240@ames.arc.nasa.gov> mike@ames.arc.nasa.gov.UUCP (Mike Smithwick) writes:
Let's see if we can make this a bit more constructive. Instead of arguing
over whether the shuttle has been of any use whatsoever (obviously it has
done more than simply provide space-junkets for people like Jake Garn -- I
admit my earlier comment was hyperbole) I'd like to see a discussion of what
areas man-in-space might be useful in.
In cases where the shuttle is simply helping launch something else, I hope
we all agree that it's worse than using expendables. Does everyone agree
that it costs more?
Construction is the obvious area where people are necessary, but the only
construction job in space I've heard anything about is the space station,
and that just postpones the question.
Repair has also been mentioned, but how often does something go wrong that
CAN be fixed? Is it really worth the trouble? (A more complex question
than it seems; if we could depend on some repair service, could we design
and launch superior systems?)
Does this necessarily include anything that needs to be brought back from
space? The Soviets brought moon samples back with unmanned vehicles, but I
wonder how reliable (and expensive) it would be.
--
Greg Hullender uflorida!novavax!proxftl!greg
3511 NE 22nd Ave / Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
My opinions are not necessarily those of my employer.