where does the shuttle belong? hou or ny

[Trip]

Orbiters are a waste of time, we need to get back to long distance space flight. NASA actually did right by bailing on the shuttles and focusing on returning to the moon and maybe eventually mars. Let the private sector figure out the low orbit shit.

[Adeptus_Minor]

Originally Posted by Homeslice

If the island of La Palma erupts, it's possible NY could be wiped out

...which is why I voted against New York too
(well, not specifically that, but I voted against NY too)

[anthonyk]

Originally Posted by Avatard

Actually, a proper lift plane could take an orbiter most of the way up, and smaller external Ox tanks could make the boost into orbit without having to use any aluminum "Roman Candles". Remember, the orbiter has engines.

Yeah, but then again, put engines and tanks on the lift plane and you can increase payload capacity by taking the separate orbiter out of the picture completely.

Originally Posted by Trip

Orbiters are a waste of time, we need to get back to long distance space flight. NASA actually did right by bailing on the shuttles and focusing on returning to the moon and maybe eventually mars. Let the private sector figure out the low orbit shit.

Let the private sector figure out how to ferry people around, but if you're gonna go any significant distance from earth, it makes sense to build your ship in orbit. Something reusable that can ferry big payloads up and down might be pretty useful.

[goof2]

Originally Posted by Avatard

Actually, a proper lift plane could take an orbiter most of the way up, and smaller external Ox tanks could make the boost into orbit without having to use any aluminum "Roman Candles". Remember, the orbiter has engines.

Regardless of how it is accomplished the Shuttle still has to get up to around 20,000mph to get to low earth orbit. There is currently only one option for achieving those kinds of speeds, "Roman Candles". Maybe someday we will develop a rail gun or space elevator which will negate that problem, but at that point the Shuttles will be long gone. Currently rockets are needed for either vertical or horizontal launch so the difference in safety is non-existent.