FYI: Could We Use Retired Space Shuttles as Space Stations?
Shuttle Atlantis Shuttle Atlantis launches September 9, 2006. Ben Cooper It seems like a good idea; after all, not many vessels are capable of sustaining life in space, so why not recycle what we've got? Unfortunately, the current fleet just isn't cut out for long-term habitation. When NASA retires the three remaining space shuttles next year, the craft will be sent to museums. The main problem is power. Each shuttle has three fuel cells that mix liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, and that reaction generates all the crew's electricity (as well as its clean drinking water). But the shuttle stocks only enough oxygen and hydrogen to keep the fuel cells running for 14 days. After that, the shuttle would go completely dark. It wouldn't be able to maneuver or send radio transmissions, and lifesupport systems would shut down. "You couldn't even cook breakfast," says Michael Curie, a spokesperson for NASA space operations....
