“This re-entry capsule now cannot be used for manned spaceflight.”
“This re-entry capsule now cannot be used for manned spaceflight.”
This postponement of the next two Russian manned missions to ISS looks like a serious problem. For cracks to form in a finished capsule when tested under pressure suggests significant production failures that had gone unnoticed during assembly. In fact, this problem is far more serious than the launch failure that occurred last year. The Russians have to not only find a capsule they can trust to use on the next flight, they have to track down the errors that allowed a capsule to be built that is so obviously flawed it cracked when put in use.
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In 2020 when the world panicked over COVID I wrote that the panic was unnecessary, that the virus was apparently simply a variation of the flu, that masks were not simply pointless but if worn incorrectly were a health threat, that the lockdowns were a disaster and did nothing to stop the spread of COVID. Only in the past year have some of our so-called experts in the health field have begun to recognize these facts.
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“This re-entry capsule now cannot be used for manned spaceflight.”
This postponement of the next two Russian manned missions to ISS looks like a serious problem. For cracks to form in a finished capsule when tested under pressure suggests significant production failures that had gone unnoticed during assembly. In fact, this problem is far more serious than the launch failure that occurred last year. The Russians have to not only find a capsule they can trust to use on the next flight, they have to track down the errors that allowed a capsule to be built that is so obviously flawed it cracked when put in use.
Readers!
Please consider supporting my work here at Behind the Black. Your support allows me the freedom and ability to analyze objectively the ongoing renaissance in space, as well as the cultural changes -- for good or ill -- that are happening across America. Fourteen years ago I wrote that SLS and Orion were a bad ideas, a waste of money, would be years behind schedule, and better replaced by commercial private enterprise. Only now does it appear that Washington might finally recognize this reality.
In 2020 when the world panicked over COVID I wrote that the panic was unnecessary, that the virus was apparently simply a variation of the flu, that masks were not simply pointless but if worn incorrectly were a health threat, that the lockdowns were a disaster and did nothing to stop the spread of COVID. Only in the past year have some of our so-called experts in the health field have begun to recognize these facts.
Your help allows me to do this kind of intelligent analysis. I take no advertising or sponsors, so my reporting isn't influenced by donations by established space or drug companies. Instead, I rely entirely on donations and subscriptions from my readers, which gives me the freedom to write what I think, unencumbered by outside influences.
You can support me either by giving a one-time contribution or a regular subscription. There are four ways of doing so:
1. Zelle: This is the only internet method that charges no fees. All you have to do is use the Zelle link at your internet bank and give my name and email address (zimmerman at nasw dot org). What you donate is what I get.
2. Patreon: Go to my website there and pick one of five monthly subscription amounts, or by making a one-time donation.
3. A Paypal Donation or subscription:
4. Donate by check, payable to Robert Zimmerman and mailed to
Behind The Black
c/o Robert Zimmerman
P.O.Box 1262
Cortaro, AZ 85652
You can also support me by buying one of my books, as noted in the boxes interspersed throughout the webpage or shown in the menu above.
Russia’s had increasing problems even staffing, much less keeping any quality, in their space industry – especially Soyuz. Since we’re dependent on Russia for access and operation of the station (as well as critical refueling). If their space program continues to unravel – the US (really no one else in the world) has any capacity even on the drawing board capable of keeping it operating. It really could force the end of the ISS.
while i have to agree with Kelly, this all stinks of contrived Drama. and a dash of unsettled Labor Relations
Labor relations issues on steroids. They don’t pay them dirt, so they can’t hire replacement staff. No one writes anything down for fear someone will use it to steal their job. so as the old guys quit/die, so does their knowledge base.
Not a good way to keep operations going.
Bob, here’s my letter to Elon Musk. We must shorten the gap until we are no longer at the mercy of the Russians.
Dear Mr. Musk: Your fine company alone has the ability to save ISS from possible long-term (and dangerous) un-crewed operations; nobody is as far ahead as Space X. 2011 was a catastrophic year for Russia’s space program, and their Soyuz failure almost caused the evacuation of ISS. Now 2012 is starting out with another possible threat to the survival of ISS from the cracked Soyuz capsule. Are all of their existing capsules potentially flawed?
I am the man who asked you at your National Press Club speech if you could accelerate development to launch a manned Dragon to ISS within two years, and I urge you to do all in your power to accelerate development to meet such a goal.
You know the market for launch services will collapse if a de-crewed ISS becomes unable to survive until American launch services are ready. Therefore, the very survival of ISS and our space program is in peril until we have American launch capabilities. Let’s shorten the gap!
It is not your fault this responsibility ends up resting upon your shoulders; that fault lies with short-sighted US politicians and an imploding Russian space program. Like it or not, the burden rests upon your shoulders because of your success in building an excellent Falcon rocket and Dragon capsule; which as you said, would be ready now for manned launches except for the launch abort system. That is the price, perhaps, of leadership and success–you offer your shoulders! But I believe you can meet the challenge.
Thank you very much for your success and innovation; and I hope you will accept the challenge to launch at least a test manned mission within two years.
Godspeed,
Art Harman, Director, Coalition to Save Manned Space Exploration.
http://www.SaveMannedSpace.com
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/01/27/russia-to-postpone-two-manned-launches-to-international-space-station/?test=latestnews
still, there exists an element of injected drama consisting of a mental cock-tail that is thick of propaganda and emotion lending itself to absorb your mindset and perhaps distract your awakened thoughts from the true course of their actions.
Musk is already to fond of cutting corners – I wouldn’t push him to be more reckless.