I must admit that I was a bit surprised by the look of the proposal for the new crew launch vehicle. But I am sure glad to see that there is finally a plan to separate the crew from the cargo. I think it will also benefit the USA to, once again, have a heavy lift booster. As Yogi Berra said, "It's Déjà Vu all over again". It sure looks like "reuse" is the key word to the new strategy. Also, if I'm not mistaken wasn't on-orbit staging of the vehicle what Von Braun had originally intended to use? I realize that there are a fair number of you that aren't too keen to the manned space program anymore. But, I think if we can get the infrastructure in place - then we can have a manned program that is well worth the cost. Clear skies, Dale. Reference articles, linked to in Patrick's News: http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2005/sep/HQ_05266_ESAS_Release.html http://www.nature.com/news/2005/050919/full/050919-1.html http://www.newscientistspace.com/article.ns?id=dn8022