/sci/ - Science & Math

>>15308038
Just imagine it's this

Shuttle-C was the way to go. Back in 2009, a team proposed the Shuttle-C as an alternative to both DIRECT and the Constellation program. They correctly cited that even DIRECT needed extensive modifications to the shuttle core which would be a bigger problem than the DIRECT team believed. In hindsight, they were right.
Shuttle-C was a great idea and NASA just got too cocky. Even post-Challenger, the shuttle had 4-5 flights per year. And that was with crew on every flight. It’s totally possible Shuttle-C could’ve flown 6 or more times per year. Ah well.