On Jul 27, 10:33*am, Jeff Findley wrote:
In article
tatelephone,
says...



Basically stick the MPCV onto a ATV cargo module that then serves as a
equipment-service module and crew living area:
http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1107...ope/index.html

I think this is a good idea, except that NASA would "need" to structure
the mission such that complete failure of the ATV would not leave the
Orion, excuse me MPCV, crew stranded.

Jeff
--
" Solids are a branch of fireworks, not rocketry. :-) :-) ", Henry
Spencer 1/28/2011

Concur with the idea. And it means an equipment/hab module is
available sooner for BEO operations. And if that involves ESA
astronauts flying on these missions, so be it.

The first BEO mission, though, will in all likelihood, be a repeat of
Apollo 8.