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back to article Final shuttle rocket test goes without a bang

The final test firing of a space shuttle Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) went without a bang yesterday, as NASA prepares to retire the shuttle fleet. ATK picture of a shuttle launch Since the first test in July 1977, ATK Launch Systems has carried out 52 similar ground-based proving operations on the monster lifters, which …

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  1. Tim #3

    Going spare?

    If they are not going to be needing these after the final 4 shuttle missions, maybe you could approach NASA and see if you could borrow one for the Vulture 1/ PARIS project. As an added bonus, the lighter load should enable it to go a bit further than normal too, so an opportunity presents itself for strapping a couple of politicians/ bankers to it and getting in the records for Britain's first manned spaceflight.

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    1. Dale 3
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      As an added "bonus"

      I like what you've done there with the "added bonus", thereby making your idea instantly attractive to said bankers. Now we just have to get the politicians on board.

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      1. Tim #3
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        subliminal stuff

        that was an entirely unconscious choice of words, though banker would automatically follow bonus in anyone's thoughts, then my mind moved onto rhymes for banker and the rest is history.

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  2. Annihilator

    Last flights

    Unless they announce STS-135 (the potential converted LON for STS-133). Or indeed if the LON is needed, STS-335.

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  3. Bounty

    ..... and

    after Discovery's final launch, will NASA astronauts be wearing Russian suits when they go up to the RSS (Russian Space Station?) At that point the US will have a manned space capability = to Mexico.

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  4. John Smith 19 Gold badge
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    worst idea for 1st stage of a crewed vehicle ever conceived

    Still it did keep an *awful* lot of latter day saints gainful employment and a pay cheque to take home to the wife*

    Or wives, although this is now illegal under state and federal law.

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