Jeffrey Kaplan wrote:
> It is alleged that Andrew Swallow claimed:
> 
>> NASA has had to delay the launch of the Atlantis Space Shuttle due to a
>> hail storm in February 2007.  This must be costing millions of dollars.
>> Manufacturing a replacement fuel tank will cost even more.  A very large
>> tent can be purchased for several million dollars.
>>
>> Although movable the protective cover can have a significant weight
>> because it never flies - being part of the launch pad infrastructure.
>> Since the covering will probably remain closed until a couple of hours
>> before launch the material will need to be fireproof.  Resistant to
>> chemical attack by rocket fuel shall be needed unless replaced after
>> each launch.
> 
> Why not just leave the thing in the VAB until the day of the launch? It
> only takes a few hours, at most, to move the launch platform from the
> VAB to the launch pad itself.  No need to overdesign (and over-pay for)
> a new portable shelter that would only be needed maybe a few times
> before the last shuttle is grounded for good.
>  
>> Some protection for the rockets against rainstorms, sun shine, lightning
>> and wind would also be nice.  Points for study does the inside need
>> heating to prevent ice and parts like O-rings freezing, also is air
>> conditioning needed to prevent equipment and people overheating?
> 
> All of this is already available in an already existing structure that
> is already used to prep the shuttle for launch.
>  
> Or am I missing something again?
> 
There must be some reason for the Space Shuttle being rolled out several
days in advance of take off.  I assume that these did not apply to
the V2.

I suspect that even the solid fuel Areas will need protection because
although it has a metal skin it will be very thin.

Andrew Swallow
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