Notes From Up High

Comment originally posted at NASAWATCH

Interesting thread of reactions here. While I am too ignorant to agree or disagree with Bernie’s finer points, there are a few calls here to explain what the alternatives will be.

Why can’t a truly Shuttle-derived concept, say, Shuttle-C be flown? You get to keep the pads and VAB without major overhauls, you get to lessen the workload of the Orbiter, which is a surefire way to reduce the risk, and you keep the workforce…

I’d love to understand what is so wrong with a Plan B such as Dennis Wingo wrote some time ago:

What To Do When VSE and ESAS Flop:
Plan B For Outer Space