(Henry Spencer) wrote:

In article ,
Derek Lyons wrote:

There is nothing modular about the Apollo spacecraft. The CSM is a
matched pair always and forever.

Wasn't there some non-trivial thoughts about a light-weight mini-SM for
use with Earth-orbit missions like Skylab?

There was. But substituting a SM late in the game isn't the same as
designing a modular system.

And likewise, designing a modular system which ends up only existing in
one version isn't the same as designing a non-modular system.

sigh It's not like you Henry to not actually read and comprehend
the initial post.

When you do, you note the modularity is defined as 'being able to
leave bits not needed behind', something the Apollo spacecraft is
decidedly not able to do. Whether it's the super-heavy J mission SM,
or the ultra lightweight CRV SM, the CM is wedded always and forever
to a SM.

Note that Owen Maynard, who Kieran was quoting, was there, and you
weren't.

Note that Kieran isn't quoting him, he's giving his impression of
Maynard's reminiscences.

Hint: think of what the M stands for in CM, SM, LM.

Hint: Lacking formal naming terminology, names mean little. Gemini
also had 'modules', but wasn't modular either.

D.
--
Touch-twice life. Eat. Drink. Laugh.

-Resolved: To be more temperate in my postings.
Oct 5th, 2004 JDL