How can ShuttleCom operate the Shuttle cheaper than NASA?
We have three methods of reducing costs to operate the Space Shuttle: Fly more often. The more often the Shuttle is flown in a year, the more the fixed costs are spread among the flights. Renegotiate contracts. Most of the contracts NASA had with contractors were of the Cost-Plus variety. The larger the costs (usually via more man-power), the more profits the contractors could make. ShuttleCom may be able to reduce the workforce to operate the Space Shuttle to 20% of what it is today and fly the same number of missions. It is hoped that eventually we will have the same amount of work force as today, but fly the shuttle many times the greatest rate to date of 9 missions in one year (in 1985).Modify the Space Shuttle. NASA has spent many $B on studies on how to improve operability of the Space Shuttle.
