[extropy-chat] Fly Me 'Round the Moon

[Mike Lorrey]

Now, there were complaints that Energia merely ripped off the idea for
this mission from some independent group, but the fact is that all the
equipment is Russian, nor are they the only group to propose using the
Soyus as a mission component. Bigelow's space habitat company has
designed the "Nautilus Moon Cruiser" using a Soyuz and the Russian
Lunar Lander in addition to a Bigelow inflatable habitat, a core
docking module, and what is apparently some sort of plasma propulsion
system. I expect, given NASAs problems, that the Soyuz will become a
workhorse unit in many independent space projects. It is a well proven
technology and inexpensive to purchase, excellent for lifeboat and
earth return. It will, in time, become something of the hot rod jalopy
of the space market, modified, boosted, improved and expanded upon.

Energia should ramp up production rates and drop prices.

Mike Lorrey
Vice-Chair, 2nd District, Libertarian Party of NH
Founder, Constitution Park Foundation:
http://constitutionpark.blogspot.com
Personal/political blog: http://intlib.blogspot.com


		
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