[TrappedInLiberalHell]

there should always be "options".

OK, this might sound hugely ignorant and far-fetched, but...would it be feasible to boost a fuel source to the approximate orbit of the shuttle, so that the shuttle could then have enough fuel to boost its orbit to that of the ISS? We can keep the Hubble in orbit indefinitely, right?

I'm about to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from Mexico to Canada. There are people known as trail angels, who will, among other things, leave water caches near the trail in particularly hot, dry stretches. This is what gives me the idea. I'm thinking of a 'resupply/emergency kit' in orbit. It could have fuel, a docking module, EVA suits, extra oxygen, food, etc. At the very least, it could supply the shuttle enough consumables to allow time to prepare a rescue shuttle, or so I would think.

I claim no expertise whatsoever in the matter, so my opinion is worth little. But in general, does anyone think this is an idea that might have some merit?

[Lancey Howard]

I claim no expertise whatsoever in the matter, so my opinion is worth little. But in general, does anyone think this is an idea that might have some merit?

I like your thinking. You are at least trying to come up with some ideas, options.

Your post is very refreshing in light of so many other posters I have read around here recently. The "give-it-up-it's-hopeless-there's-nothing-they-could-do" crowd - - people I definitely would not want in my foxhole.

Regards,
LH

[bonesmccoy]

I appreciate your sentiment, but truly there were no options for the crew.

An orbital fuel source is unworkable because the long-term storage of hypergolic fuels is difficult. More importantly, the orbital trajectories would be unlikely to match the trajectory. On the other hand, having an expendable rocket with rescue supplies might be another solution.

Having a rescue vehicle on the launch pad during all LEO missions could be a solution. However, this scenario would require construction of a new launch pad, a new vehicle, and new procedures for emergent launches and crew transfers.

I have always thought that it would be safest to have a rescue vehicle always available during any LEO manned space presence.

Soyuz became that capability for ISS.

Now, Soyuz is the only flight capable manned space vehicle on Earth.

[is_is]

would it be feasible to boost a fuel source to the approximate orbit of the shuttle

Sure.....send up a "self Serve" Chevron station....who's going to get out and filler up!!?? They have said there were no space walk suits onboard....which brings up another thing.....WHY!!??...what if there was an easly fixed problem that would keep them from reentering???? Can you imagine looking out the shuttle window at the problem but can't get there???? It would be like having a flat in the middle of death vally with no car jack!!!! I see the easily fixable problem but i'm gonna die from the heat anyway....