If the "shuttle" program will end after the space station is done...

[manlymatt83]

... what happens when we need to do something like this again?

Isn't the shuttle the only thing that can bring parts to the space module? Shouldn't they be keeping one or two handy in case they ever need to launch one again to bring new parts up there or something?

 

[nwfsnake]

Basically, the shuttle brings parts/additions. The Russian heavy lift bring supplies.
Not exactly that simple, but close.

 

[ElFenix]

the shuttle is retarded. the russians knew it, yet they figured that since US americans are not retarded, like such as, the south africa, and the iraq everywhere such as, that we must have figured out something not retarded about the shuttle. so the russians built their own to figure out what that was. they never found it, because the shuttle is retarded.


which is why we're building a new system to get people and cargo into space. the ares I and V. or maybe the ares IV (there are retarded aspects to the ares I, such as the center of gravity being so far up the rocket)

 

[RU482]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
the shuttle is retarded. the russians knew it, yet they figured that since US americans are not retarded, like such as, the south africa, and the iraq everywhere such as, that we must have figured out something not retarded about the shuttle. so the russians built their own to figure out what that was. they never found it, because the shuttle is retarded.


which is why we're building a new system to get people and cargo into space.

 

[broon]

I think what ElFenix is trying to say is:

Usually things like the shuttle aren't retired until something better is in place to replace them.

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: redly1

Originally posted by: ElFenix
the shuttle is retarded. the russians knew it, yet they figured that since US americans are not retarded, like such as, the south africa, and the iraq everywhere such as, that we must have figured out something not retarded about the shuttle. so the russians built their own to figure out what that was. they never found it, because the shuttle is retarded.


which is why we're building a new system to get people and cargo into space.

wtf?


*edit* ok I get it. Thats pretty good subtle humor. 9/10:laugh:

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: broon
I think what ElFenix is trying to say is:

Usually things like the shuttle aren't retired until something better is in place to replace them.

Thank goodness for translators.

 

[ElFenix]

i personally believe that US americans are unable to do so because some people out there in our nation don't have maps

 

[Cuda1447]

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: redly1

Originally posted by: ElFenix
the shuttle is retarded. the russians knew it, yet they figured that since US americans are not retarded, like such as, the south africa, and the iraq everywhere such as, that we must have figured out something not retarded about the shuttle. so the russians built their own to figure out what that was. they never found it, because the shuttle is retarded.


which is why we're building a new system to get people and cargo into space.

wtf?


*edit* ok I get it. Thats pretty good subtle humor. 9/10:laugh:

subtle?!? I was laughing my ass off as soon as I read 'such as'

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
i personally believe that US americans are unable to do so because some people out there in our nation don't have maps

Ya it took me a sec, figured there was a reason you were acting retarded....

 

[conehead433]

The shuttle fleet will be on ebay before you know it. Maybe you can get lucky and pick one up on the cheap.

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: Cuda1447

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: redly1

Originally posted by: ElFenix
the shuttle is retarded. the russians knew it, yet they figured that since US americans are not retarded, like such as, the south africa, and the iraq everywhere such as, that we must have figured out something not retarded about the shuttle. so the russians built their own to figure out what that was. they never found it, because the shuttle is retarded.


which is why we're building a new system to get people and cargo into space.

wtf?


*edit* ok I get it. Thats pretty good subtle humor. 9/10:laugh:

subtle?!? I was laughing my ass off as soon as I read 'such as'

I didnt get it till the second time i read "like such as", but in my defense I only saw that girls video one time. I was out of town when it happened and out of the loop.

 

[MovingTarget]

The shuttle does have inherent advantages when it comes to the construction and repair of larger space structure. It was designed with space station operations in mind. Any rocket large and powerful enough can hoist such structures into space, but what the shuttle does is provide extra ability to manipulate said structures and even bring them back to earth. No heavy lift vehicle to date has the ability to return materials to earth in such quantities. It was a good idea, but there will be better implementations of it in the future. We learned a lot from the shuttle which will soon be put to use. Things like "hey...maybe it isn't a good idea to mount a reusable craft on the side of something that sheds its parts during launch..." reflect this. The Orion program (with the Ares launch vehicles) will have great capabilities, but imho the loss of the shuttle does leave some gaps that the new program does not fulfill. I suspect that the shuttles may be kept on hand for a while in case such a need arises, but be retired from regular service.

 

[Jeff7]

They're working on the Crew Exploration Vehicle, which, as I understand it, will fill some of the roles of the shuttle.

Parts can be brought up by other means - the Russians use their Soyuz modules for resupplying, and I think they could use other rockets to ferry parts there. The shuttle's main benefit is that it's refurbishable (it's not quite reusable, lots of things need replacing before it can fly again), and as was mentioned, it can also bring lots of stuff back to Earth with it. It's also got that (recently enhanced) manipulator arm.