EELV concept for launching shuttle-size payloads

[GregBurch]

Here's a blog post that points to an article that describes what looks like a very sound concept for using EELVs to launch STS-sized payloads to the ISS:

http://selenianboondocks.com/2008/11/interesting-paper-on-shuttle-alternatives/

Note the discussion for the need/demand for a "prox/ops" tug -- a concept very much right in the middle of the sweet spot of real development of a "Local Space Transportation System."

... now, if only rational people would be in charge of the national space program ....

 

[unknown_orbiter]

Wow it looks so simple! If any of you watched the program "Discovery Earth" (new fangled ways to "solve" the climate/eco crisis), you might have seen the rail gun launching mechanism. It uses powerful electromagnets, firing off in sequence, propelling objects faster, cheaper, and safer than any other launch technique. Unfortunately it is still young and only small-scale working models have been made. But once the technology kicks off, it can be used to launch payloads like these strait to the ISS without fuel. A small capture vessel could then grab the payload (using the design at the link) and carry it to the ISS. I feel a new add-on forming >:}

 

[Zatnikitelman]

Yep, that's what we needed all along. Strap a 5m carrier on top of an expendable vehicle and poof, no need for the shuttle in its current form.

 

[tblaxland]

Wow it looks so simple! If any of you watched the program "Discovery Earth" (new fangled ways to "solve" the climate/eco crisis), you might have seen the rail gun launching mechanism. It uses powerful electromagnets, firing off in sequence, propelling objects faster, cheaper, and safer than any other launch technique. Unfortunately it is still young and only small-scale working models have been made. But once the technology kicks off, it can be used to launch payloads like these strait to the ISS without fuel. A small capture vessel could then grab the payload (using the design at the link) and carry it to the ISS. I feel a new add-on forming >:}

You may be interested in Kulch's Lunar Mass Driver and Delta Cannon:
[ame="http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=620"]Lunar Mass Driver, release 3[/ame]
[ame="http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=621"]Delta Cannon, release 2[/ame]

Back to the OP: Interesting idea. It would be good for the payload carrier to be able to carry up some fuel for the prox-ops tug too. ATV, and soon HTV, are showing the way for this type of vessel with their advanced auto-nav solutions.