"Michael Gallagher" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:49:43 -0500, "Jeff Findley"
wrote:


..... Rumblings are that Orion isn't dead and that a shuttle derived
launch
vehicle (similar to Direct's Jupiter) will still go forward ....

News reports so far today don't say anything about either one. I hope
you're right, but I wouldn't be surprised if you're wrong.

From spaceref:

During the 5 year space ahead, NASA will spend $7.8 billion on a new
technology demonstration program that will look at advanced exploration
capabilities. It will also spend $3.1 billion on R&D that looks into
new propulsion systems and $3 billion on robotic precursors to scout
ahead of future human crews.

That's a lot of money to spend on advanced exploration capabilities.

It also said:

Contrary to various Internet rumors, NASA has not selected a preferred
Shuttle-derived launch system to replace Ares 1 and Ares V - i.e, the
Shuttle "Sidemount", In-line, or "DIRECT" concepts. While throughly
vetted and evaluated, are of these concepts all government-driven
designs and are thus part of the old way of doing business. Future
heavy lift solutions will be solicited from the private sector.

One has to wonder though if "the private sector" could propose just such a
shuttle derived launch vehicle. ATK and other contractors would benefit
greatly from such a project. NASA would also benefit, indirectly, because
it could make use of its existing launch facilities, which could otherwise
remain dormant (large losses of jobs).

Jeff
--
"Take heart amid the deepening gloom
that your dog is finally getting enough cheese" - Deteriorata - National
Lampoon