(Henry Spencer) wrote in message ...
In article ,
Terry Goodrich wrote:
I seemed to remeber having read that they were looking to modify the shuttle
to fly unmanned. Is this really a possibililty?

It is not impossible in principle, but a lot of detail changes would be
needed. Since there has never been a requirement for unmanned operation,
there are many bits of hardware which are not under computer control. (In
some cases, like landing-gear deployment, this is deliberate, to make sure
a software bug can't kill the crew.) Some of them are not necessary for a
minimal mission, but a number of them are.

In your opinion, would it be simpler to modify a Shuttle for robotic
flight, or make a new type of upper stage capable of delivering the
modules via ELV?
Also, what are your thoughts on orbital rendevous with a separate tug,
per Jorge's post?

thanks,
Josh