From: Doug Jones (djones@xcor.com)
Date: Fri Jun 01 2001 - 11:29:43 MDT
Greg Bruch wrote:
> In a message dated 6/1/2001 4:23:34 AM Central Daylight Time, kpj@sics.se
> writes:
>
>
> Now, with Agent Smith out of the way,
> do you have any comments on the
> "able to launch a full-size space
> station module into orbit within 30
> months" bit, quoted in the URL page?
>
>
> Yes, please.
The Proton KM launch vehicle can place 23.5 tons into low earth orbit,
at a launch price of about $70 million. This price is artificially
inflated by agreement with western governments to limit the russian
market share, but Bigelow can afford this. I don't know how well his
business plan closes with regard to ROI etc, but a small orbital hotel
is technically and economically possible.
If paying hard currency directly to Krunichev instead of running it
through Rosaviacosmos to get 75% skimmed off, hardware could be
delivered in less than two years. Do not be deceived by the glacial
progress of ISS; that is a jobs and State Department program, and a
functional space station is only a side effect.
http://www.friends-partners.org/mwade/lvs/pro2kdm4.htm
http://www.friends-partners.org/mwade/craft/mir2.htm
http://russianspace.com/proton.html
-- Doug Jones, Rocket Engineer XCOR Aerospace
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