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From: ptc@b15.INGR.COM (Paul Carter)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Re: launch rates
Message-ID: <1715@b15.INGR.COM>
Date: 28 Sep 90 14:01:46 GMT
References: <10195.26fde341@pbs.org> <1990Sep25.033816.16652@zoo.toronto.edu>  <10209.26ff5e6c@pbs.org> <90270.125759GIPP@GECRDVM1.BITNET>
Organization: Intergraph, Huntsville, AL
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th: b15!ptc

>Perhaps a better measure of reliability would be a comparison of each
>vehicles ratio of launch success vs launch attempts.  I think it's
>pretty well documented that the shuttle, throughout its career, has
>encountered numerous delays of launch (of days and months). What is
>the record of saturn v, or saturn 1b?  Also, how does each vehicle
>compare against intended useage?  Methinks Saturn V was launched
>approximately as often as desired, whereas the Shuttle family is
>way behind on the launches intended.  

 I haven't been in on this whole argument, but one important variable
 to thow into this apples and oranges equation is the fact that
 the ONLY piece of the entire 36 story Saturn V stack to return
 to earth (whole) is the command module (capsule) and its only reuse
 is that of a museum piece. Every Saturn V was Brand Spanking New!!

 The shuttle fleet ages with every launch!!

 Just my $0.02....

 Paul Carter