STS-1 fails

The vibration from the SRB's knocked a number of the heat resistant tiles from STS-1 as it lifted off.

In addition, hot gasses were ducted into the landing bay on re-entry causing the main right landing gear to buckle.

Now, what would be the effect on the STS programme if STS-1 had suffered more serious tile damage and burned up on re-entry or the landing gear had failed on touchdown.

The vibration reason for the tile damage can and was corrected for future launches.

I cannot see the STS programme being halted at STS-1 for pride reasons alone but how does a very public demonstration of tile vulnerability change how things go.

Are we likely to see earlier orders for 'complementary' launch vehicles?

What does this do for possible 'cargo' versions of the STS?
 
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The vibration from the SRB's knocked a number of the heat resistant tiles from STS-1 as it lifted off.

In addition, hot gasses were ducted into the landing bay on re-entry causing the main right landing gear to buckle.

Now, what would be the effect on the STS programme if STS-1 had suffered more serious tile damage and burned up on re-entry or the landing gear had failed on touchdown.

The vibration reason for the tile damage can and was corrected for future launches.

I cannot see the STS programme being halted at STS-1 for pride reasons alone but how does a very public demonstration of tile vulnerability change how things go.

Are we likely to see earlier orders for 'complementary' launch vehicles?

What does this do for possible 'cargo' versions of the STS?

this is an interesting one.. STS 1 was unique in being the first "all-up" test of a launch system with a crew on-board.

I'm thinking that any major mishap in the first flight could well encourage development of a Shuttle-based unmanned launch system for heavier payloads.

However, if that happens then it reduces the need for a shuttle with a big cargo bay - the only need for the cargo bay then would be for payloads being returned.

maybe if the safety flaws of the Shuttle system were revealed earlier, we'd see something similar to the cancelled Constellation Program developed in the mid-late 1980s.. Drawing on the safety benefits of the Apollo configuration, but using Shuttle-derived technology?

I'm not saying that NASA would've gone back to the moon right away, but with a heavy lift booster and a reliable crew delivery system, a large space station becomes relatively easy to assemble.
 
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