On Sat, 20 Aug 2005 14:46:15 +0200, nmp wrote:


While this is a most interesting development, it is not a shuttle
replacement, by far.

It may not be an STS replacement, but a shuttle it surely is.

The name "Shuttle" has become too closely associated with the U.S.
Space Transportation System. Both CEV and Kliper have been called "New
Shuttles" in the popular press, although neither is anything like the
STS. That is dangerous, because if the general public thinks you're
out to build a giant reusable manned spacecraft like the U.S. STS,
you're likely to run into trouble getting political and financial
support. ("What? You're going to build ANOTHER Shuttle? Haven't you
learned your lesson? What d'ya mean it's a lot smaller and safer, it's
still a SHUTTLE isn't it?")

A new name should be chosen for the CEV/Soyuz/Kliper class of
spacecraft. "Ferry" mentioned elsewhere doesn't seem quite right,
either.

Brian