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mikusingularity — HOPE-X launch
Published: 2014-08-07 03:51:18 +0000 UTC; Views: 1330; Favourites: 9; Downloads: 7
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Description
Alternate history: the Japanese H-IIB lofting the HOPE-X (H-II Orbiting Plane - Experimental) space shuttle from Tanegashima Space CenterOrbiter simulator by Martin Schweiger
H-IIB by Donamy
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Comments: 5
I always saw this as a better version of launching shuttles. (or space taxis?)
easier to get off if the rocket fails maybe?
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This doesn't have or need one because it doesn't have people on it; this is just for cargo.
But yes, it is easier for a crew capsule to escape from the top of the vehicle instead of from the side. However, it would be harder to create an escape system for a more massive top-mounted spaceplane instead of a top-mounted capsule.
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Yes, on an expendable rocket.
However, HOPE-X is an unmanned experimental vehicle, and has conventional delta wings unlike the Dream Chaser, which is a lifting body. Originally in the 80s, Japan's space agency was planning to have a manned mini-space-shuttle (mass of about 20 metric tonnnes), but that was cancelled some time after the bubble economy collapsed. Later, HOPE-X was cancelled as well.
(JAXA digital archives)
jda.jaxa.jp/search.php?lang=e&…
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