Limited Space Shuttle life leaves question mark over completion of space station
All but two of the International Space Station's (ISS) remaining elements could be delivered for assembly using Russian rockets if the Shuttle is retired before construction of the ISS is complete, according to a Russian proposal.
Following the Columbia disaster, the Shuttle fleet is expected to be retired in 2010. With only three flights likely in 2005 and only four years of operations left after that, there may not be enough flights available for the more than 20 assembly missions required to complete the ISS. Yet the US government is committed to its completion using the Shuttle.
However, earlier this year NASA was provided with a proposal to use Russian Proton rockets to deliver everything except the European Space Agency's Columbus module and Japanese Experiments Module (JEM) to the ISS. These are so large only the Shuttle can deliver them.
"The Shuttle may not fly so often and this is a proposal for a solution. All elements can be delivered that have not been delivered. Only the Columbus and JEM cannot be delivered [by a Russian launcher]," says Dr Sergei Shaevich, ISS programme director for the Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Centre, which has proposed this solution to NASA. The centre has a history of involvement in the development of Russian heavylift launchers. In Shaevich's view, the Boeing Delta IV Heavy, which makes its maiden voyage in November, could also be used instead of the Shuttle. However, NASA has not taken Russia's proposal further. Shaevich, speaking at the International Astronautical Congress in Vancouver, said his organisation is awaiting a reply. Protons could deliver ISS elements within three and a half years.
ROB COPPINGER / VANCOUVER
Source: Flight International
