From: ansible@typhoon.xnet.com   
      
   I found the Space Van 2008 proposal interesting.  I had some   
   comments/questions:   
      
   What is the TPS?  The slides imply they're not trying for a lifting   
   reentry.  But a cheap, reliable throwaway heatshield isn't going to work   
   for that design, I don't think.  Too much area to cover.  Are we back to   
   RCC for the leading edges?  We've all seen how well that works.   
      
   I think the 1st stage ascent engine(s) should be part of the gondola.   
   Is there any reason to carry them up to orbit and back?  The attachment   
   between the orbiter and gondola has to take that kind of stress anyway.   
      
   A kite that size is going to be very unwieldly for ground handling.   
   I'm not sure what would be more practical.  It might be easier to keep a   
   parafoil flat and not flopping around in the breeze than a more rigid   
   glider.   
      
   Related to that...   
      
   The SV2008 is also more sensitive to wind conditions.  This could cause   
   launch window problems.  Ideally, you'd have a giant circle, with the   
   winch in the center, so that you could launch into the wind in any   
   direction.   
      
   That's the main drawback to a low wing loading.  No easy way to escape   
   this, AFAICS.   
      
   James Graves   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
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