3 ms·
It's too bad you couldn't just leave a space shuttle in orbit, and then fly to it to use its arm when needed. Or build something like a repair "truck" that once
by coldcode 5y ago
It's too bad you couldn't just leave a space shuttle in orbit, and then fly to it to use its arm when needed. Or build something like a repair "truck" that once launched, never comes back. You just load it with fuel and whatever you need, and drive it to where it's needed.
- p_l 5y agoBuran system had designs for that - one of the components was a nuclear-powered space tug that could shift satellites around, reducing launcher limitations. Design planned for endurance of 100 "LEO->GEO" satellite moves. Hypothetical Hubble with support for such operation would have docking port for the space tug, which could bring it back to orbit that could be taken by service vessel, then bring it back to proper orbit.
- giantrobot 5y agoThe Space Shuttle was powered by fuel cells rather than solar panels. It could only operate in space as long as it had oxygen and hydrogen available. So there was never an option to "leave one in space" as it could only last a couple weeks at best. There was a "space tug" concept out of MSFC in the 70s that was basically a capsule with some robot arms mounted on a service module. It would have acted as a repair truck as you say. It would have also been limited by consumables. Refueling in orbit is a non-trivial problem to solve. As is maintaining an orbital fuel depot. A tug and depot would only be able to service satellites in compatible orbits. So you might need to maintain dozens in orbit to service different orbital planes and altitudes.