CEV

Wilson, Jim, ed. "Frequently Asked Questions." NASA. 25 Feb. 2006. 10 Dec. 2006 http://www.nasa.gov/missions/solarsystem/cev_faq.html.

This artifact is all about the CEV and other NASA projects. The CEV is supposed to be operational in 2011. The CEV will be used for space exploration. It can carry between three and six members on it. It can take trips to the international space station (ISS), and later is slatted to go to mars.

Another point of the article is about why we are going to the moon. The article states that going to the moon will help us develop new and better technologies so we can explore the space frontier. Also, missions on the moon will help us learn how to survive in space for extended periods. Also, we will ultimately do more tests on the moon and will use it to send vehicles to other planets like mars.

Another point of the article is about why we need the CEV over the space shuttle to go to the moon.

“ The space shuttle is not designed for use beyond low-Earth orbit. Wings are not necessary. There are several issues that prevent the use of the space shuttle for lunar exploration. To escape the Earth's gravity, any spacecraft must attain a speed of more than 17,500 mph. The shuttle is designed for re-entry from an Earth orbital speed of 17,500 mph, not the 25,000 mph speed of a moon mission. Entering the Earth's atmosphere at this high speed would destroy the shuttle because it would exceed the wing and fuselage load limits. Currently, there is no thermal protection system that would protect the wings from such a high heat load."(1).

The article later states that even though the CEV looks like the Apollo era space craft it is actually much more advance and reliable. In addition, they expect the CEV to lead the future in space travel.

Questions:
1. What are the advances over the Apollo?