Cardman wrote in
:

Certainly, but I would believe that some Shuttle aspects would be
unimportant.

Like the Shuttle's ability to bring large items back to the ground. As
once it is up there, then there is no point in bringing it back down,
when you would only have to pay to launch it again.

Incorrect. The ability to bring failed ISS systems back to the ground for
forensic analysis is vital to learning how and why they fail, and helps us
design better systems.

ATV will be restricted by the small hatch sizes on the russian
segment. HTV will not be able to return gear to the ground. (neither
ATV or Progress).

Maybe due to the "crap" from the ISS being considered expendable.

No, it's because they were counting on the shuttle to perform that role.




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JRF

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