Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to But the fact remains...

And again, if you can't legally launch it from the Shuttle...

then you have to spend money to acquire a powerful enough booster and upper stage (probably around $40 million minimum) plus examine the vehicle to see if it has to be rebuilt because of the new booster's G & vibration loads. This IS rocket science. If the satellite's structure can't withstand higher G & vibration loads, then you'll have to completely take it apart (so much for it sitting in the warehouse "ready to go"), build a new structural system, perhaps rebuild some of the sensors, and reassemble the thing. Then you'd have to requalify it in the thermal-vacuum chamber and reconduct all of the necessary prelaunch tests. All the poo-pooing and handwaving in the world won't undo these facts. If the satellite can't handle the loads, then at a minimum you're risking deformation of the structure (and perhaps some of the sensors) that could seriously affect performance. At worst, you end up with a piece of worthless space junk.

Log in or register to post.

The whole thread (13 posts)