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| NASA Facing Few Choices To Build CEV |
| 2004-11-14 |
| The decision by Boeing and Northrup Grumman to join forces in their bid to build NASA's next generation manned spacecraft, dubbed the crew exploration vehicle or CEV, significantly reduces the number of major aerospace players available to the agency. This also forces NASA to make its choice from only two camps, neither of which is ideal: the oversized and experienced vs. the undersized and innovative. The CEV is planned as NASA's primary manned spacecraft as soon as the space shuttle fleet is retired, probably in 2010. The agency's road map for building the CEV calls for proposals to be submitted early in 2005, with two companies then chosen to build a prototype that actually will stand for flight tests in 2008. NASA then will pick its prime contractor from these two companies. The first manned mission is set for no later than 2014. After that, the CEV will be augmented so it can be used for all manned missions to the moon and beyond... Article also gives a general overview to the current manned space program organization, which is subject to drastic change with the arrival of Burt Rutan and t/Space. |
| Posted by:Anonymoose |
| #3 Moreover, [the] response [of the large aerospace companies to] the challenge of building the CEV seems remarkably timid, considering their experience. Been there, seen that, this isn't exactly news. If there's a more stifling and risk-averse bureaucracy than that created by career DC sycophants it'll be found only in the defense/aerospace sector. NASA should award this one to the little guys if for no other reason than to serve notice to the dinosaurs that their end is nigh. |
| Posted by: AzCat 2004-11-14 3:28:28 PM |
| #2 Ha! Little do you know, RWV, that deep inside their secret laboratories in Dubuque, Northrup is testing its genetically-modified Meteorologically Adapted Zero-gee Orbital Lift Ability cornstalk, made of graphite composites and capable of growing to an altitude of 300 miles! Once they've perfected the orbital platform, look for them to deploy the Popcorn of Doom! MUAHAHAHAHA! |
| Posted by: Angie Schultz 2004-11-14 2:42:18 PM |
| #1 Once again with feeling: NORTHROP is an aerospace company. NORTHRUP is a seed company. A basic mistake like this taints the whole article. |
| Posted by: RWV 2004-11-14 2:28:16 PM |