Shuttle Alternative

[Robert Bruce]

Shuttle Alternative



"Two of the world's leading rocket companies are joining forces to develop a new vehicle to launch astronauts into orbit.

The bottom part of the proposed Liberty rocket would be based on the solid-fuelled boosters that help get the shuttle off the ground.
The top half would use the liquid-fuelled core-stage technology and engine that powers the Ariane 5.

The concept has been put forward by ATK from the US and Astrium from Europe. Their idea is being submitted to the US space agency (Nasa), which is seeking commercial solutions to take astronauts to and from the space station following the retirement of the shuttles.

There has been deep concern in the US Congress about the length of time it might take to provide commercial alternatives, leaving America reliant on Russian Soyuz vehicles until perhaps the latter part of this decade.

But ATK and Astrium believe their experience means they could have the 90m-high (300ft) Liberty rocket ready to fly by 2013, and operational with astronauts on board by 2015. "

Courtesy BBC

[Michael Alexander]

It seem's like a step backwards to me.....

Should be having a fixed wing craft that can fly itself into space and return in it's entirety by now....

[Robert Bruce]

It is only a proposal. There are more commercial projects that are yet to test their alternative space shuttle.