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Actually, the solution is rather simple.

Before any shuttle is launched with a regular payload, the next shuttle to be launched is prepped with a CRC (Crew Recovery Capsule) in the cargo bay.

The CRC would have seating for 8; food, water and air for 3 days; a quick connect com link to the shuttle; and an airlock for spacewalks.

Once the mission shuttle is deorbited, the "ready" shuttle is moved back to the Vehicle Assembly Building and the regular payload is mated. This shuttle then becomes the primary mission shuttle and the next shuttle becomes the "rescue ready" shuttle.

The cost of the CRC would be very minimal, compared to other shuttle projects. The only cost imposed would be having to have 2 shuttles and 2 launch pads ready simultaneously. plus the 50 million or so for the CRC.

In the event of a major shuttle accident, the "ready shuttle" would be launched into the same orbit as the stricken shuttle. Crew members from the "rescue shuttle" would transport spacesuits necessary for EVA. Rescued Crew members would enter the airlock of the CRC, strap in and wait on de-orbit.

The rescue shuttle would then de-orbit with the rescued crew in the CRC.

The light came on-

As I have a non aerospace background, my thinking has lacked the industry perspective. Your idea is plausible and seems to mate with industry practices. The schedule would have to be robust and agressive. Perhaps the people at NASA are turning 'like' ideas over, as they go about solving the break up of the shuttle.

I was slow to grasp the enormous complexities of differing orbital angles, and what is required for synchronization. Now I get it-

To do so, I pictured two spacecraft in orbit above the planet and then visualized how they would maneuver towards each other while remaining in constant orbital motion. As an example, one object is in an equatorial orbit, and another object is in a polar orbit.

your 'simple' rescue on standby theory in 'simple' only in theory.

Each shuttle mission is different, and different cargo, and different payloads, etc. It takes about 4-6 months to prepare 1 shuttle for launch for oee mission.

It would be easier to build a completely new, unmanned rescue vehicle on a a titan 3 or something similar.

Actually, the solution is rather simple.

Not meant as a flame, but you have no clue as to what is required prep a shuttle for one payload vs. another. It's not like removing a suitcase from the trunk of your car and tossing in another one. It would take literally months to do what you suggest.

But the big idea-killer is that NASA will not allow (with good reason) a liquid-fueled craft in the payload bay. They forbid the Centaur upper stages for just that reason.

It would be much better to have several CRV's launched into various orbits ahead of time, then launch the shuttles into the same orbit.