Asri-unix.1251 net.space utzoo!decvax!cca!sri-unix!csin!cjh@CCA-UNIX Tue Apr 20 07:59:15 1982 Shuttle return of MX's Here's a question that could be good for several weeks of wrangling before someone actually comes up with the beginnings of a factual answer. There has been a proposal that MX's could be parked in orbit in the course of an alert, then brought down on the USSR if there really was an attack, or brought back by Shuttle if it was a false alarm. The question is, is this really practicable? Breaking this down into more manageable questions: 1. How much of the MX would have to be left in orbit to assure precise aiming if it is to be used? (need both mass and dimensions) 2. How many of these [upper stages] could be fitted into a Shuttle cargo bay (need both packing and the safe landing weight of the Shuttle) 3. If we throw away the guidance section and just bring back the warheads, what does this do to (2)? Would this be reasonable in terms of the work that would be necessary on the ground to return the warheads to ready status? 4. How difficult would (3) be in zero-gee? (Figure that working with nuclear warheads requires much greater precautions than the sample construction work that has been done in earthbound tanks of water.) Have fun! ----------------------------------------------------------------- gopher://quux.org/ conversion by John Goerzen of http://communication.ucsd.edu/A-News/ This Usenet Oldnews Archive article may be copied and distributed freely, provided: 1. There is no money collected for the text(s) of the articles. 2. The following notice remains appended to each copy: The Usenet Oldnews Archive: Compilation Copyright (C) 1981, 1996 Bruce Jones, Henry Spencer, David Wiseman.