On 15 Jan 2004 15:21:00 -0500, jeff findley
wrote:

Don't forget Skylab (3 CSM's) and ASTP (one CSM and one unflown
backup). It really was a general purpose vehicle in terms of where it
could go, but was single purpose in terms of what it could do (it was
a crew transport containing life support, but with much of the "real
work" being done in whatever it was docked to (LEM, Skylab, ASTP
docking module).


Yes, you are right.

..... I would hope that the CEV has limited capabilities much like the
Apollo CSM with the "real work" being done on other modules (e.g. ISS,
moon base, or Mars lander), but with the ability to "go anywhere".


And I would hope that if nothing else comes of Bush's initiative, we
get the CEV in its related boosters online. While a hypothetical
Democratic president might cancel the Moon/Mars program, he might keep
the CEV, just as Clinton killed SEI but kept the station.