What will Replace the Space Shuttle?

The OSP space shuttle is the new generation of manned spacecraft replaced by the United States space shuttle, this space shuttle.

OSP Space Shuttle

The OSP space shuttle is the new generation of manned spacecraft replaced by the United States space shuttle, this space shuttle.

Chinese name

OSP Space Shuttle

Definition

New generation of manned spacecraft

Features

Low development cost and greater space shuttle safety

Standard

OSP) series of basic standards

The OSP space shuttle looks like a brick with wings. In view of the encounter of the Columbia, the new generation of space shuttle must find a balance between flexibility and safety. Obviously, safety is the key issue. In this way, the new generation of US space shuttles are designed to look like bricks with wings and weigh 22 tons-for a reason. The bulky shape causes the shuttle to generate shock waves as it shuttles through the atmosphere, helping to protect it from the surrounding hot ionized gas. And if the space shuttle is designed to be as cool as a high-speed jet, the temperature at its edges will reach an unprecedented 3000 ° C, which is obviously unbearable for aircraft made of any material.

According to reports, scientists at NASA's MoffettField's Ames Research Center are developing ceramic materials based on hafnium diboride or zirconium diboride and silicon carbide composite materials. Such materials will likely help the new generation of shuttles withstand the high heat returned to the atmosphere. These materials are currently resistant to high temperatures of nearly 2,800 ° C, but are brittle and bulky. More research is needed before they can be used to design smart space shuttles.

NASA announced the basic standards for the Orbital Space Shuttle (OSP) series on February 19. OSP will take over the space shuttle from 2010, and its main task is to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS) and will be used as the ISS's rescue capsule. OSP has limited cargo capacity. When returning to Earth, it will land like an airplane. One of the criteria announced yesterday was the OSP's ability to carry emergency retreats from at least four astronauts on the International Space Station. A NASA document states that the risk of using the OSP to transport astronauts is lower than that of the Soyuz. The OSP preparation time will also be less than the current space shuttle required at least 3-4 months. Compared with the space shuttle, the OSP maneuverability will increase. The size of the OSP will also be smaller than the space shuttle, so its payload capacity is small, but it can also carry cargo on the station in emergency situations. NASA says the OSP task list will be decided at the end of 2003.

After the crash of the Space Shuttle Columbia, most Americans believe that this will not only prevent the United States from exploring space, but will accelerate the development of the next generation of space shuttles. According to ABC News Network yesterday, a new generation of smaller, cheaper and safer space shuttles will likely come out in 2006.

Despite repeated setbacks, NASA has not abandoned its research program for a new generation of spacecraft. In November 2002, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keeffe announced an improvement program called the Space Launch Initiative (SLI). This $ 4.5 billion plan will no longer simply focus on developing a brand new spacecraft, but will make some minor additions and improvements to the existing space shuttle. Under this plan, Boeing designed the "X-37" space shuttle, which will use lighter synthetic materials, but still use traditional disposable rocket thruster launchers to launch. After entering the intended low-Earth orbit, "X-37" can work in space for 21 days, complete the deployment of artificial satellites, conduct space experiments, and then return to Earth. Most importantly, unlike other space shuttles, the "X-37" will be a completely unmanned space shuttle, and all space missions will be performed autonomously by it. This makes the launch cost of "X-37" greatly reduced.

However, NASA stated that the test flight of the "X-37" prototype will not be earlier than next year. Experts speculate that according to this timetable, a new generation of space shuttles will likely come out in 2006.

Take a taxi in space

NASA also plans to launch the Orbital Space Plane (OSP) program. The core of this plan is to create a small spacecraft that is one-quarter the size of the current shuttle, which can be launched by a small booster rocket. This spacecraft can carry five passengers and carry small items and scientific experiments. Proponents of the "Orbital Space Plane" program believe that small spacecraft can be used as a means of transportation to perform most of the work of the International Space Station, like simple and efficient "space taxis", carrying people and materials that need to go to the station to work. Of course, due to their small size, these "space taxis" cannot carry large equipment such as solar panels, so it can only be used as a supplementary aircraft for existing space shuttles.