Sledgstone 8,672 Report post Posted October 19, 2008 http://www.space.com/common/media/video.php?videoRef=SP_081014_esa_ixv ESA’s new Vega rocket to loft Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle by 2013, testing new systems and technologies for atmospheric re-entry. Credit: ESA Click the link to see the video of the new craft. Is it just me or does this seem too overly-complicated. The entire setup separates 5 times. The fact that the main pod itself is contained within two shielded pieces makes sense tho. That way no possible damage happens to the pod during the initial launch. But I don't see how theres any kind of payload capacity in the setup. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Myk JL 1,731 Report post Posted October 19, 2008 Seems too complex to be practical... Quote Those who fight deplorables should see to it that they themselves do not become deplorables. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ladywriter 7,783 Report post Posted October 21, 2008 There's been a push at NASA to return to the capsule style for safety reasons but to be realistic these things go up carrying a big payload (how to accommodate that in capsule design) and all of these multi million dollar parts need to be retrieved and reused. Quote Look at the flowers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
