REM@MIT-MC@sri-unix.UUCP (09/23/83)
From: Robert Elton Maas <REM @ MIT-MC> I don't quite understand the problem with finding missions for the Columbia. First of all, does it make any difference to some mission which particular orbiter it flies on? I thought the orbiters were supposed to be essentially identical. So why not just put the next mission on the next available orbiter? Second, as I understand it, STS is about three years behind schedule. Why can't they just speed up launches and drift back towards the original schedule? Most companies wanting to put up satellites, thinking of switching to Arianne et al because STS is delayed so very long, would be glad to have an earlier launch, wouldn't they? Once things are moving faster, companies contemplating reserving a launch way down the road will be encouraged by the chance of a launch not quite as far down the road, and reservations should start piling in. If I'm mistaken, would somebody please explain why we have to scrounge around for missions for Columbia instead of just moving ahead with the already-scheduled missions in an obvious way? (The suggestion I'm replying to did involve already-scheduled missions, but it sounded like it was easier said than done for some unknown reason.)