t/Space missions to the moon call for two CXV spacecraft to simultaneously make the trip to the moon. By traveling in pairs, the CEVs provide each other with backup in the event of anomalies.
Here are three different cutaways of the CXV showing its multiple use as a personnel transport, cargo transport, and fuel tanker for refueling CEVs for missions to the moon.
Autonomous (unmanned) version of CEV takes off after dropping a cargo container. Cutaway view of cargo ship shown at left; on the right, used shipping containers are joined for initial habitat and will be covered in lunar soil to protect occupants against radiation.
Never in my 47 years have I been so positive about humankind finally reaching out to the final frontier. With the expansion of manned space program into private industry, there is finally an option to the "on again, off again" progress of government funded missions.
We are alive at a very special time, one that sees our species leave the cradle of its birth, and attempt to establish colonies on other worlds. The survival of human life depends on taking this most important step, and I am proud to be witnessing the history and bold adventure of humankind's first steps in showing that our species has the will to survive.
With NASA, t/Space, and Scaled Composites working together, I find myself beginning to believe again.
(Where We Cheer This News!)
Article comments
1 - Aaman
Sexy pics - where do I sign up?:)
2 - Floris Vermeir
Very intresting. It shows that new concepts are possible, and this one is very promissing.
Even the article used for the test, could be used to launch satelites whith, do certian test otherwise only done whith sounding rockets. And the like. There program is well researched, and looks far more realistic then others I have seen. They could even reuse the CEV's left on the moon, for use in a moon base, or perhaps refuel them and use them more than once. Perhaps as cargo transporters.
Nice pictures, they explain so much more then words do.
3 - Bennett
Floris - It is a flexible system, and these folks mean business. They do not want to be a sub-contractor to NASA, prefering to develop and deploy their own designs.
Take a look at their website. They have the science, astronauts, and backing. I wish them very well.
Aaman - :-] I'd suggest donating huge amounts of hard cash.
4 - Dave Nalle
Very clever idea. Both cheaper and safer than the space shuttle. When do they go public?
Dave
5 - Elliot Kulakow
I've been involved with the alt.space community for about two years now, and I can tell you that these guys are amazing. It's not just Scaled Composites and t/Space that are pushing the frontier, there are probably around ten companies seriously working for widespread, private access to space. None of them are especially great stock choices, in fact only a small fraction are even public, but that doesn't mean that there's no way to invest if you're interested. Do some research and talk to people, they'll be more than interested in investors, even if you're only talking a couple thousand dollars. Most of these programs are pretty low cost, that's enough money to be significant to them.
6 - Bennett
Dave - What Elliot says is true. If you've got the dinero, invest some of it with these guys. You could do a lot worse!
Bennett
7 - Bennett
I'd really appreciate your "short list" of companies you think are potential players. I have some of them I'm sure, but I may not have ALL of 'em!
Thanks Elliot!
8 - swingingpuss
Bennett, the pics are awesome and your enthusiasm for space exploration reflects well in the post .
9 - Bennett
Thanks swingingpuss! I had fun gathering the pictures from the t/Space website. I didn't use half of what they have available.
It really helps tell the story far better than plain text.