Orion/Ares is NOT the Space Shuttle
You just cannot replace the Space Shuttle with Ares and Orion. Can anybody tell me that these look nearly as good as the Shuttle? Do these inspire as much as the Shuttle? I understand that they’re capable of reaching the Moon and beyond, but for low Earth orbit work… WHY RETIRE THE SHUTTLE? Why not build modern ones? I cry. WATER landings (or possibly parachute land landings)? Is this the 60’s again?The Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle and Ares I Launch Vehicle lifting off:
Orion in space:
The Ares V cargo launch vehicle on the pad:
Now compare to the shuttle:Liftoff:
You’ll never see this again… no flying with Orion:
Liftoff, again:
If nothing else, a generation of photographers weeps.
February 27th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Yeah I’m not sure what the plan is here - if we’re going to be committed to low earth orbit work due to the space station then they need something to fill that gap when they retire the shuttle. I think we all can agree that the shuttle is a bit past its prime though. Personally, I think they should scrap the space station and focus on long distance manned trips like an exploration of Mars.