NASA officials in California are researching a replacement for the Space Shuttle

Описание: (13 Oct 2006) HEADLINE: NASA Researching New Space Shuttle
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CAPTION: NASA officials in California are researching a replacement for the Space Shuttle. (Oct. 13)
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[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE]

THIS INCH-AND-A-HALF MODEL COULD HELP NASA FIND A REPLACEMENT FOR THE AGING SPACE SHUTTLE.
Jeff Brown, NASA Research Scientist, says: "One of the plans for space exploration in the not too distant future is to go back to the Moon and eventually to Mars and the Space Shuttle's not capable of that so we need a vehicle that can not only serve the space station but can also go to the moon and Mars as well."
Haven Daley, The Associated Press, says: "NASA's new Crew Exploration Vehicle is still in its research stage. Scientists here are currently examining the aerodynamics of the capsule."
(loading gun nats)
RESEARCHERS USE A GIANT GUN TO SHOOT THE MODEL THROUGH A CHAMBER…
(gun fires)
…THEN EXAMINE THE CAPSULE IN FLIGHT FOR RE-ENTRY THROUGH THE EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE.
(discussion nats while looking at pics)
Chuck Cornelison, NASA Facilites Manager, says: "It doesn't have wings. It doesn't glide like a space shuttle. Since it sits on top of a vehicle, there's no foam debris to fall and hit. As you know that was one of the problems the shuttle had. The foam insulation coming off the tank and striking the vehicle, there's a potential for damage there so if you put the capsule on the top of the vehicle you eliminate that."
THE DESIGN IS SIMILAR TO SPACE CAPSULES USED DECADES AGO.
Jeff Brown, NASA Research Scientist, says: "To a certain extent you go with what you know. We know Apollo. We know it worked to get us on the moon. But there are certainly advances and upgrades. While Apollo only carried three astronauts and was limited to what it could carry in addition to that, the CEV is going to be for a crew of six and a separate cargo vehicle so there's going to be a much larger transportability when you start talking about putting colonies on the moon rather than just flags."
THERE ARE CURRENTLY ONLY TWO SPACE SHUTTLES LEFT IN SERVICE. NASA HOPES TO HAVE A CAPSULE PROTOTYPE READY BEFORE THE SHUTTLES ARE DECOMISSIONED IN 2010. HAVEN DALEY, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER, CALIFORNIA.

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