Delta Advanced Re-useable Transport (DART) - 1991

Graham1973

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A case of some University of Maryland students re-inventing the Gemini, or pre-inventing the Dragon...

The Delta Advanced Reusable Transport (DART) craft is being developed to add, multiple, rapid, and cost effective space access to the U.S. capability and to further the efforts towards a permanent space presence. The DART craft provides an augmentative and an alternative system to the Shuttle. As a supplement launch vehicle, the DART adds low cost and easily accessible transport of crew and cargo to specific space destinations to the U.S. program. This adds significant opportunities for manned rated missions that do not require Shuttle capabilities. In its alternative role, the DART can provide emergency space access and satellite repair, the continuation of scientific research, and the furthering of U.S. manned efforts in the event of Shuttle incapabilities. In addition, the DART is being designed for Space Station Freedom compatibility, including its use as a 'lifeboat' emergency reentry craft for Freedom astronauts, as well as the transport of crew and cargo for station resupply.

The proposed launch vehicle was the Delta II rocket.

Delta Advanced Reusable Transport (DART): An alternative manned spacecraft

DART: Delta Advanced Reusable Transport. An alternate manned space system proposal
 

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XP67_Moonbat said:
That's a new one!

Well, it's a good way to do an aerospace design challenge, I've seen University level student projects for future aircraft dating from around the same period (eg the 1990s), there were a couple of other projects that seem to have been part of the same challenge. When I've found them again I'll post them.
 
Graham,

Very interesting project. It looks like the crew would have been comfortable, able to move out of their seats, and have room to move around a bit. Thanks for posting this.
 
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