Some Questions

Brook Mantia wrote: OK, I'm pretty sure privatizing the Shuttle is
hopeless (and pointless) by now, but just
hypothetically... What if some private enterprise did
take over the Shuttle, and instead of satellites, gave
joyrides to rich tourists? How many people could you
fit in there, and what would you charge for each seat
to cover expenses?
Also, if it were run by private enterprise, and every
nob and screw didn't have to have an excruciating
pedigree from the harvesting of the raw materials to
the finished product (as required by NASA), how much
less would it *really* cost to operate the shuttle?
What business is going to pay $1,000 for something
that costs $10?
BTW, I'm big on space tourism, mainly because that's
the only way I'll ever get to go. ;-)
Cheers,
Brook
I am not sure from what I have learned that shuttle rides would pay for themselves.
The shuttle, as it is, seems to have too many problems. If you had a cheaper and
better designed Mark II version with improved engines and hull that required much less
maintenance maybe it might be cost effective to use for business. The fuel tanks
should be redesigned so that they can be easily turned into habitat modules.
It has been pointed out to me that the Shuttle is the Bradley of the sky.
To many cooks spoiled the broth. You would have had a better chance if the DC-X
was developed into a real spaceship.
As it is don't expect to go into space in your lifetime unless you
are Homer Simpson or a UFO kidnaps you. Sorry, NASA screwed the pooch and she is
just too loose now.
Darkstar