Obama Moves to Counter China With Pentagon-NASA Link

[msbae]

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aOvrNO0OJ41g&refer=worldwide

Using Air Force rockets for the return to the Moon would cut costs but, are they a good option? Can they be re-engineered for this new purpose in the allotted time? Can it be done under budget?

 

[dillon3001]

I read somewhere that human rating the Delta IV and the Altas V would be the majority of the cost involved with scrapping the Ares rocket system. Theres been more than a few folks against the Ares rockets (some NASA engineers designed an alternative even: http://www.space.com/news/ap-080714-alternative-moon-rocket.html)

Here's an interesting read that relates to your link: http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Report_Atlas_Delta_rockets_to_save_money_999.html

NASA's administrator believes scrapping Ares wont really save money and the Delta IV and Atlas V aren't robust enough. I'm no engineer so I cant comment on that regard but I dont think it would save money, although it could be quicker.

 

[RJDiogenes]

^^ Well, all else being equal, quicker would be better. I like the attitude of using existing technology; we've had sufficient tech and resources to have a large presence in orbit, outposts on the moon and even have reached Mars by now, but for some reason they seem determined to develop unknown technology before they do anything. It's like saying, "Let's forget about building a transcontinental railroad; in fifty years people will by flying across the country." The best way to develop space technology is to go there; it will also help promote the private space industry.

 

[msbae]

The best way to develop space technology is to go there; it will also help promote the private space industry.

W3rd.

 

[TheMasterOfOrion]

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aOvrNO0OJ41g&refer=worldwide

Using Air Force rockets for the return to the Moon would cut costs but, are they a good option? Can they be re-engineered for this new purpose in the allotted time? Can it be done under budget?

He should go with the EELV programs from Boeing and Lockheed, Ares-1 is a heap of *%*#*

http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewnews.html?id=1276