NationStates Jolt Archive

..::ImperialNewsNetwork, Space::..

Today the IASS announced a contact with Zepplin Manufacturers Incorporated that will bring twelve Europa class NERVA reusable orbiters into IASS service. The entire contract will cost the Imperial government 742.96 billion USD over twelve years, with twelve per cent of the total contract price being delivered immediately as an insurance against default and the other 90% to be paid as each craft is delivered. Delivery cycle is expected to be one Europa heavy lifter every year for twelve years.

Asked about the move away from one-time use rockets, Lord Andrew Watson, Director of the IASS, replied, "This does not so much signal a move from rockets as it does signify an expansion of capabilities for the Imperial space program. Rockets will continue to be the primary method for lifting objects into orbit, while the Europas will enable manned missions to Luna and Mars. In particular, the Imperium plans to eventually build a scientific base on Luna and a large orbital defense station in geosynchronus orbit over Haven."

Lord Watson did not elaborate upon those plans, but the obvious intent to permanently station manned missions in orbit and on the moon lends notice to the world that the Imperium has ambitions outside of its terrestrial concerns.

While the People's Republic has no qualms about the use of nuclear power in space, (we have after all been operating a variety of nuclear-electric and nuclear-thermal vehicles for several years to service our Lunar and EM-L4 outposts) we would like assurances that these vehicles are reliable, and will not spread radioactive contamination in the event of a malfunction.
To assist you in your efforts, the Shildonian Space Agency would like to propose having some engineers from our Selene program, who will be able to share the knowledge they have gained over the years we have been operating our NTR's regarding safety procedures. We do not mean to insult your nation's techical abilities, we hope you can appreciate that an accident involving one of these vehicles could have significant environmental affects on all nations and so it is in our common interests to work together to minimise the risk of such a accident occuring.

Jonathon Walker,
Chief Executive Shildonian Space Agency

..::Class 3 Diplomatic Message, 512kb Encryption::..
TO: Jonathon Walker, Chief Executive Shildonian Space Agency
FR: Duchess Asiya Saleh, Director of Foreign Services
SUB: RE: Technical Assistance

While the Imperium appreciates your offer, the IASS is already working closely with the engineers of ZMI to plan for and, hopefully, prevent such a catastrophy. However, should the IASS have any further need for consultation, Lord Watson assures me that he will contact your directly.
..::End Class 3 Message, End Encryption::..

OOC: For further information on the Europa Shuttle craft Please visit this NS wiki page. (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Europa_Shuttlecraft)