[X] My Assistant

[Roly]

I'm sure this will be quite properly criticized, and I can see a lot of problems with it... but... ahem...

I just saw that there is a proposed Ares I flight test in Q1 2013 (obviously a very provisional date).

I was curious as to whether a science payload could be launched as part of the flight test, given that it won't be carrying an actual Orion capsule. Moving a future Discovery or Scout mission to the Ares I launcher, and giving the same budget, but a "free" launch vehicle would be interesting, allowing more money for operations and the spacecraft itself. And potentially PR value for the Ares launch. Admittedly, the politics of being captive to the manned program and schedule (like Galileo) might make it too unpalatable. Still, it seems like a powerful launcher - perhaps better than a Discovery or Scout budget could come at normally. Maybe it would mean a mid-rover on a Scout budget, or expand the range of Discovery targets that could fit within the cost cap (which would be effectively raised by 150M+ as a consequence.)

Anyway, I'm sure it's got too many problems to work, but I wanted to see if there was any chance of it happening.

Best,

Roly

[djellison]

Actually - we're talking about things way way outside the remit of UMSF - so the subject is closed.

Doug