It's not clear yet whether the 2007 budget will allow a CEV by 2012. There is a complex interplay between the fiscal 2007 budget in particular, the date for initial CEV availability and the potential for accelerating return to the Moon.
Quotes about cev (7 Quotes)
Leonard's broad operational experience in the U. S. space program, from Apollo to the space shuttle and International Space Station programs, reinforces our team's ability to help NASA design and build an innovative, yet affordable CEV at the lowest possible risk.
As the CEV deputy program manager, Leonard will use his experience to work seamlessly with the Northrop Grumman program leadership to support NASA's efforts to create a greater public understanding of the CEV as an important investment in the future of our country,
Connolly said that the current plan is to start off with two lunar missions per year. That frequency was derived in part from the capabilities that were assigned to the CEV i.e. the ability to function in space for up to 6 months and the launch rate that would likely be used to support the ISS. There is nothing magic about 6 months ... backed its way into lunar missions.
These are fault lines that have been in the NASA program for decades and it's one of the big challenges for Griffin and his team to ensure we have appropriate robustness in the science and aeronautics programs while at same time meeting very significant program and budget challenges for shuttle, station and the CEV programs.
The payload characteristics are certain to be much different than those of the CEV. Keeping budget control on the expenditure of six units on each flight might turn out to be an issue.
Having any kind of a gap, whether it's three years or longer, between the shuttles and the CEV is really dangerous. It might make sense to an accountant, but not to a space cadet.