REM@SU-AI.ARPA (04/10/84)
From: Robert Maas <REM@SU-AI.ARPA> Here's another reason for needing a space station in LEO, or at least a docking platform with communication/tracking and attitude-control: Suppose we had it now, and docked with it were tanks of various kinds of fuels and other consumables and spare space-tugs both of manned an robotic type (or better, a single kind of space-tug that can be used both remotely-controlled or local-manned). Well, would we now have the problem that the solar-max repair may have to be cut short unsuccessful because we are running out of STS maneuvering fuel? No! We'd have lots of leeway in extending the mission if it seemed we needed just another day to get the damn thing docked and repaired. But the way it is now, we may run out of fuel and have to end the mission as an 80% failure, it's gonna be close as I type this on Monday evening.