This is nothing new.
possible expanded use of the Shuttle for Air Force
>technology payloads; and consolidate plans that outline space
>transportation needs of NASA and the Air Force.
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Last I heard they were working on a new orbiter. Some sort of general purpose,
one piece, launch, orbit, land, and relaunch in 24 hours orbiter.
>NASA and the Air Force also will examine their respective infrastructures
>and common-use facilities; develop and coordinate an implementation plan to
>address orbiting space debris
This could be good news. I wonder if there's some point of criticality where
there could be enough space debri in orbit to set off a chain reaction of
orbital collisions. Most debri in orbit is moving in the same general
direction, making collision is less likely. But, a few collisions could send
debri in odd trajectories, and thus generate a greater likelyhood of more
collisions, etc... etc...
; possible collaboration on the Clementine II
>project; and expand cooperation in space weather environment research and
>data sharing.
Sounds like they got the idea after that major discovery by the Clementine II
military probe. They were testing an SDI weapon using the moon for a target,
and discovered water on the moon.
There's a good possibility that there are vast frozen glaciers in the shadows
of craters on the South pole of the moon. This is good news for Trekies.
As for the military cooperation thing, that may be another story.
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>Each team is scheduled to provide an interim report on their findings to
>senior management of both organizations in mid-July.
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>MZ
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