New Space ship?

Rubecula

The Orion space vessel is the next space ship apparently. It looks like a big Apollo capsule.

But is there anything in the pipeline to actually replace the shuttle?

There have been numerous stories over the years, but as yet nothing for certain.

Does anyone know if such a craft is REALLY on the drawing boards?

slade_x

Rubecula wrote: »

The Orion space vessel is the next space ship apparently. It looks like a big Apollo capsule.

But is there anything in the pipeline to actually replace the shuttle?

There have been numerous stories over the years, but as yet nothing for certain.

Does anyone know if such a craft is REALLY on the drawing boards?

The orion spacecraft could be used to shuttle astronauts to low earth orbit for example to dock with the iss

Boeing are supposedly working on what they are calling a replacement "the CST-100" capsule which would be smaller than orion but larger than the apollo
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/06/28/boeing-planning-space-shuttle-replacement/

Having that said only time will tell how the projects develop, whether or not we see another fixed wing configuration like the STS, lifting body or anything resembling a fuselage or what most people would consider a craft to be is another thing

As famous and iconic as the STS is, without a doubt the most famous of all our space vehicles and very near and dear to our hearts for most of us im sure is the apollo CSM capsule which shuttled buzz, neil and michael to the moon 41 years ago



The capsule design of the apollo was the first the public gazed at, that form, may very well be here to stay

Rubecula

I remember the Apollo missions very well.

Ummmmm errrr, thanks for reminding me it was 41 years ago. I suddenly feel very old.:D

Back then it was all excitement about the forthcoming space missions to the planets and the manned bases on the moon.

Of mice and men, of mice and men. *sigh*