🚀 go-pugleaf

I'm no expert, but I do get a number of ESA publications and I tend to 
dissagree with some of the statements made above.  First Ariane V is not
as dependant on Hermes as has been sugested.  It is the planned launch vehicle
for the European polar orbiting platform and for the free flying Columbus 
module (which admittedly is very dependant on Hermes).  I believe ESA has
been developing various payload adapters and fairings.  The increasing size of
Geostationary comsats, and Arianspace's proven ability to launch multiple
sattelites at once will make Ariane V a very usefull vehicle.  With a backlog
of something like 30 sattelites, it seems to me Arianspace wouldn't mind a
more powerful vehicle than the Araine 4.  Heck, China's CZ2E is more powerful
than Ariane 4 and I don't see you arguing that it's a waste.
The question of Hermes is a little tougher.  My impression is that ESA very
much wants to continue the program, but economic problems in France and 
Germany are causing problems.  I'm sure the Hermes project will be slowed, but
I can't see it being stopped.  There has been too much of an investment in 
manned spaceflight by Europe, and I can't see them throwing away their only
chance at autonomy for the next two decades.  It's possible Hermes will be
downsized, but I don't see the point of designing a whole new, smaller vehicle.
What would you build that would be cheaper than Hermes?  A Gemini capsule?


				Josh 'Kumquat' Hopkins

Disclaimer:  These are just my opinions.  Somebody might share them, but I'd
be suprised.