May Abandon the International Space Station

[sojourner]

^Then you should know (contrary to your previous post) Falcon Heavy is not needed for manned Dragon.

 

[Dukhat]

That was just my opinion about how SpaceX will use Falcon Heavy in the future. It wasn't based on any evidence other than my opinion, which I made pretty clear when I said "I suspect that..." So sorry I didn't go over the SpaceX website with a fine-toothed comb. There's no need to be smarmy.

 

[Crazy Eddie]

Dragon doesn't need to launch in a Falcon Heavy, just the Falcon 9 can get it into orbit.

From what I read the manned capsule requires the Falcon Heavy. The Falcon 9 is only rated for the resupply vehicle. Do you have a link stating otherwise.

No. Do you have a link stating Dragon requires the Falcon Heavy? Because 1) SpaceX promotional videos showing the launch abort system (which will only be used on the manned version) all feature launch on a Falcon 9 and 2) promotional infographics and press materials make the same implication.

Plus, the physical numbers for the craft simply don't support that requirement. Falcon 9 can put about 12 tons into orbit in its current configuration; the manned Dragon may carry 3 tons of payload in the trunk, but it won't be carrying three tons in the capsule and will be slightly lighter than the cargo version.

Falcon Heavy will probably never carry a Dragon in its payload until/unless SpaceX manages to develop the Raptor upper stage with cryonic propellants, in which case that Dragon will be UNMANNED and will be heading for Mars. A manned Dragon on anything other than a Falcon 9 is the one thing that is least likely to happen.

 

[Kai Winn]

I just saw on the news on TV that they may have to abandon the international space station now. Found this link, just now, there may be others come out today on this topic.

http://blog.al.com/space-news/2011/08/nasa_may_temporarily_abandon_s.html

We just built the darn thing, and now we may have to abandon it. That is just all kinds of screwed up. I am sad for the state of manned space exploration and science. What's going to happen is that others may take up the slack, if America is no longer up to the job. We use to be the leaders in this, but no longer. It's really sad, the IIS was a great accomplishment.

Please understand that it is more important for the economy and society that a wealthy individual can put an original Picasso for $100 million in his sleeping room, than scientific or government prestige projects.

 

[sojourner]

What kind of non sequitur is that? What does a decision about how a private individual chooses to spend his money have to do with the government funded ISS?

 

[Wanderlust]

What kind of non sequitur is that? What does a decision about how a private individual chooses to spend his money have to do with the government funded ISS?

Yah, i didn't get it as well.

 

[Dukhat]

Please understand that it is more important for the economy and society that a wealthy individual can put an original Picasso for $100 million in his sleeping room, than scientific or government prestige projects.

Uh, yeah...whatever. We're talking about abandoning the ISS, not whatever it is you're talking about.

And anyway, this topic is moot. Flights will resume to the ISS next month.

 

[sojourner]

^Hopefully.