So, if we have a problem with Discovery, and they need to be rescued, the Russians will be there for us - in seven months?Thanks guys, but that sounds more like a body recovery operation than a rescue.
They were planning to launch Atlantis if Discovery needed to be rescued. But I assume that is out of the question now that the fleet is grounded. There is no reason to risk stranding 2 shuttles up there because of environmental concerns over freon based insulation. (Damn enviro-whackos)
If it comes down to it, and it does not look likely, they can send up extra supplies for the crew to live on the ISS or the Shuttle until rescue craft (or a repair kit?) can be sent up.
It is really sad that our space program has been nearly crippled once again due to the environmental nutcases in this country.
I know. That's why I was commenting on a "rescue" with a seven month lag time. There wont be anybody left alive to rescue. The concept of a timely "rescue" in space with our level of technology is a ludicrous one. It makes me wonder why they even brought it up.
It also makes me wonder why we launched Discovery in the first place. Granted, she is up there testing some new safety equipment, but it wont do us much good if she can't come back down. The shuttles are old, and have needed replacing for quite some time now. We should have been working on their replacements in a more timely manner. It is a shame that we have put ourselves in the position where we have no choice but to launch these ships.