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NASA/US Govt retired the space shuttle since it was extremely expensive to operate and there was funding competition for next generation vehicles/missions. Saf
by NikolaeVarius 7y ago
NASA/US Govt retired the space shuttle since it was extremely expensive to operate and there was funding competition for next generation vehicles/missions.
Safety might have had a impact, but it was not the reason the shuttle was retired.
- melling 7y agoYes, the Shuttle was expensive and Project Constellation was going to replace it. We’d only be without orbital capabilities for a few years. https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/163092main_constellation_program_overview.pdf https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/163092main_constellation_program_ov... Unfortunately, that was canceled 10 years ago. That was superseded by Orion?
- NikolaeVarius 7y agoMore or less. Constellation was effectively broken up into smaller chunks (Artemis, Orion, Commercial Crew) versus being a unified program.
- kevin_thibedeau 7y agoWhy have one manned space program when you can have three for 3x cost.
- NikolaeVarius 7y agoBecause they have completely different mission parameters. Commercial crew is for ISS trips, so short duration trips, so limited life support or things like toilets required. Artemis needs to send a lander to the moon and come back. So 3-7 days with extended life support, and the ability to land on the moon with a vehicle and take off within the size confines of a single launch. Orion is for deep space exploration, no lander necessary, and extended life support. So yes, three completely different vehicles. The last time we tried to combine multiple roles into a unified chassis, the F35 happened.