henry (07/01/82)
Does anybody know what NASA's original projection for *eventual* cost per pound for Saturn 5 launches was? Remember, the original plans envisioned mass production of the boosters, three or even four launch pads in use at complex 39, possibly an extension to the VAB to add two more bays (there are internal provisions for this), and I think there were at least studies being done on making the lower stages recoverable and reusable. The Saturn 5 was originally going to be the standard NASA heavy launcher well into the 1980's, launching not only lunar missions but also planetary probes and low-earth-orbit cargo. All of this went down the tubes in (I think) 1967, when the decision was made (by Congress) to halt production after the first fifteen. I wonder if the shuttle would really be any cheaper if this hadn't been done. In case anyone is interested, here is what happened to the fifteen that were built: - two unmanned tests - ten used for Apollos 8-17 (Apollo 7 used a Saturn 1B) - one used to launch Skylab #1 (#2 was also intended to fly, but wound up in the Smithsonian after budget cuts) - one rusting on the lawn at Houston - one rusting on the lawn at Kennedy (Yes, the ones on display at Houston and Kennedy were flight-ready boosters, intended for Apollos 18 and 19. Budget cuts.)