Hi Jim,
> Well, the question there is whether the *ship* or the *pods* would
>need to be streamlined. If the "pod" were in fact capable of getting
>itself to and from orbit, you're good. Or, if the pod can get itself down
>(say with heat-shields and 'chutes for a orbital drop, ala Apollo capsule
>returns), then all you need is a means to get it back up. Would the
>fueling auxiliary that I seem to recall the clippers carrying have the
>capability to bring the pod up? Or even carry it both ways between orbit
>and surface?
Some of the clipper modules in the RCEG book can land on planets, IIRC these are the Quarters Modules - so they can function as lifeboats. So at least some of the quarters modules are streamlined, and can descend from orbit.
The Manta-class fueller that the clippers have are nearly all fuel tank - under normal circumstances I don't think they'd be able to lift anything bulky to orbit.
EAmon