Journal Stephen Samuel's Journal: Post seperation Command Module Maneuvering
The article says that the Crew Return Vehicle would have to land near the west coast because the Service (Propulsion) Module would need to splash down to the west of the Command Module.
I sugges that this is completely unnecessary. I see no reason why you couldn't supply the Service Module with enough internal smarts to be able to separate, maneuver, and then re-boost itself so that it can come down anywhere that you want it to.
The thought that the SM becomes a dumb rock after separation forgets the fact that you can now fit far more computer intelligence onto something the size and weight of a large wristwatch than Mission control had available on the ground during the Apollo missions. It would now be very easy to put the needed smarts into a Service Module to allow it to drop itself wherever you wanted it to.
Post seperation Command Module Maneuvering More Login
Post seperation Command Module Maneuvering
Slashdot Top Deals