Quote:
Originally posted by JosephM
Now to the next human spaceflight: Go for using the current Shuttles FOR NOW. But get Boeing to start to develop new long range, high capacity, almost 100% resuable space plane. Something that can launch using little fuel and then land safely. My ideas: compressed air. If you've been on Hypersonic XLC you know in 1.8 seconds the 3 ton train can go 80 mph. If you compress it enough, you can get something in space, then you can use boosters to excellerate the plane into space.
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Lockheed-Martin and NASA had reusable spaceplanes (the X-33 & X-34) set for 2004. But NASA terminated the program early in 2001 because of "technical problems". Now, they have the Space Launch Initiative in place, which is trying to bring us the next generation in spaceflight. I say that since we've lost two of the STS vehicles (albeit 17 years apart), we need something new.