Collectively, these requirements outline the broad policy framework for the post-shuttle U.S. human spaceflight architecture: 1. We will manage the U.S. space program so as to complete the space station by 2010, utilizing the space shuttle for that purpose after which it will be retired. 2. After completion, the space station will be used to 'better understand and overcome the obstacles that limit exploration.' 3. The shuttle will be replaced as soon as possible, but not later than 2014, by a crew exploration vehicle designed to take humans to the moon and beyond, but which must also be capable of servicing the space station and its crew of six. 4. The architecture must support human lunar return not later than 2020 and, after that, development of a sustained human lunar presence, both for its intrinsic benefits and as a 'stepping stone' to Mars and beyond. 5. Finally, the new architecture must take advantage of existing space shuttle program assets 'to the fullest extent possible.' Not that anyone asked, but I consider this to be the best civil space policy to be enunciated by a president and the best authorization act to be approved by Congress since the 1960s. But no policy is perfect and none will please everyone. In particular, many in the exploration community as well as many of those who pursue space science were disappointed by the reaffirmation of our nation's commitment to the space station.
Constellation Architecture
2008
18 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
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