Cut the front off

[Glom]

The Space Shuttle is the second most powerful LV after the Saturn V (at least one that works). The problem is that in order to launch payload such as Destiny, it must also launch large delta wings, a huge tail fin, a luxurious habitable volume, landing gear, recloseable payload bay structure propellents for de-orbit and a thermal protection system for reentry. Remove all this crap and the LV has the capability to launch something nearly as cool as Skylab.

So here's the plan. Cut off the forward bit of the orbiter and stick a large spacecraft there instead. In one go, we have something with nearly the same capacity as the ISS at present.

[pghnative]

I can see it now --- next MTV reality show: "Pimp my shuttle"

[Nicolas]

Like we said before, "East Coast Customs"

[skrap1r0n]

you mean the SDLV?. Essentially, it is the Shuttle launch main and booster tanks with a big white container for payload with shuttle engines attached to the bottom.

http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewnews.html?id=1026

[pghnative]

Is that manned, or unmanned?

[skrap1r0n]

unmanned

[Ara Pacis]

you mean the SDLV?. Essentially, it is the Shuttle launch main and booster tanks with a big white container for payload with shuttle engines attached to the bottom.

http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewnews.html?id=1026

Didn't NASA recently say they would never build a rocket that was side-by-side, like the STS? But if it is space cargo only with no need for re-entry shielding, then who cars if foam falls off of it, there'd be no delicate protuberances to be damaged.