Space Forum / Space Flight / September 2003

Richard Stewart:

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I feel it follows a trend.
* The X-15/air-launch concept works.
* The planned returned to manned capsules on rockets.
* Now what sounds like a scaled-up version of the Avro Arrow orbital-launch
concept, perhaps with a good dose of XB-70 Valkyre.

If the trend continues, I also expect to see a small lifting-body reentry
craft on top of a conventional rocket (since an empty cargo-bay can be
expendable). The shuttle never was the best way into space but remains the
best way to bring something large down intact (The remaining service-life
of the shuttles should be conserved specifically for that purpose - IMHO).

Serious hotrod, eh?  Wonder if it'll have any extra seats
for paying passengers?

--Damon