I’m sorry but I just don’t see the big deal. We don’t launch the LSAM/EDS until we’re confident the CEV is ready to go. If there is a last minute glitch that postpones the launch, there will be a couple more launch opportunities each day thereafter. I can’t envision a delay of more than a few days unless a major malfunction occurs. In the unlikely event that occurs then we’ll be out the cost of a LSAM/EDS, but that is probably not our biggest problem in that case.
Gaetanomarano, I just think you’re getting all worked up over something that is very unlikely to happen. Is the scenario you describe any more risky that the LSAM ascending and docking with the CEV in lunar orbit? If we’re to return to the Moon, difficult and risky tasks are inevitable. I don’t see how the dual launch method can be avoided; there is just too much mass that must be lifted to orbit.
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