XPost: sci.space.shuttle, sci.space.policy   
   From: henry@spsystems.net   
      
   In article <40AFD035.4114451@yahoo.com>,   
   Abrigon Gusiq   wrote:   
   >Any chance they will build a new shuttle?   
      
   No.  Not when the whole shuttle system has only a few years of operational   
   life left -- a new orbiter would only just be entering service by that   
   time, and it would cost several billion.   
      
   >Enterprise, can it be made operational versus a test bed?   
      
   Not quickly or cheaply.  It would be a bit easier than starting from   
   scratch, but only a bit.  Enterprise does not have a spaceworthy cabin,   
   for example, and not only would you have to build one, you'd have to split   
   the structure open to get it in.  Same story:  it would cost too much and   
   it wouldn't be ready in time to be very useful.   
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   MOST launched 30 June; science observations running     |   Henry Spencer   
   since Oct; first surprises seen; papers pending.        | henry@spsystems.net   
      
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