The following presentation mentions something called "Garvey Space", and something bigger named "Super Strypi".
there are a number of odd things about this project. to begin with, the radially segmented tank design for a pressurized tank would seem to weigh more than a conventional cylindrical tank and minimum weight is critical for achieving orbit with a pressure feed launcher. next, why use methane instead of alcohol or kerosine. its lower density requires larger heavier tanks for a small isp gain. finally, using differential throttle for attitude control i can see for yaw and pitch control, but what about roll?
thanks for your response ed, all your points make sense. one more question, does anyone know if this group has done any test flights ? it takes alot more than a reliable engine to achieve controlled supersonic flight. look at all the challenges armadillo has had with their stig vehicle.
Nanosats, not ASATs
Quote from: Jim on 07/25/2013 02:54 pmNanosats, not ASATsRight. SWORDS and the like would in part be for replacing capability lost when the other guy got your satellite with an ASAT. It would also allow, in theory, a way to provide dedicated (not shared) capability in a crises.Be all of that as it may, my interest in this thing is the attempt to create a small, cheap launch vehicle. There are some off-the-wall ideas here being attempted by some non-standard players. That's terrific. Also, and I'll just come out and admit it, I like stainless steel. - Ed Kyle
Attitude only could be done with CMG's
Quote from: john smith 19 on 08/26/2013 09:05 amAttitude only could be done with CMG's Still need thrusters or power for magnetic torque bars for desaturation.
True but it would eliminate running out of propellant as a life ending failure mode. CMGs worked pretty well on Skylab and are working quite well on ISS.
...Magnetic torque bars and a low earth orbit is the only way to get out of using thrusters with CMG's. Kepler has thrusters.
Magnetic torque bars and a low earth orbit is the only way to get out of using thrusters with CMG's. Kepler has thrusters.
Honestly, when providing communications in regional conflicts, short of GTO, a highly eccentric orbit makes sense. It can be tailored to a geographic region and provides the most dwell time over the battle space.
SWORDS has been cancelled. It was cancelled last Thursday, 13 March 2014. The KTE horizontal engine testing will run through completion and then the program will be totally closed up by September this year.
Quote from: KSC Sage on 03/17/2014 11:51 amSWORDS has been cancelled. It was cancelled last Thursday, 13 March 2014. The KTE horizontal engine testing will run through completion and then the program will be totally closed up by September this year. That is a good thing. Never should have got as far as it did.
With "free" Minotaurs available, why would DoD invest in a new launcher?
Quote from: Danderman on 03/18/2014 03:00 amWith "free" Minotaurs available, why would DoD invest in a new launcher?Because the DOD is not monolithic and SWORDS was an Army project. Also, Minotaurs are not transportable.
Quote from: KSC Sage on 03/17/2014 11:51 amSWORDS has been cancelled. It was cancelled last Thursday, 13 March 2014. The KTE horizontal engine testing will run through completion and then the program will be totally closed up by September this year. Has a reason been given for the cancellation? - Ed Kyle
Quote from: edkyle99 on 03/18/2014 02:41 amQuote from: KSC Sage on 03/17/2014 11:51 amSWORDS has been cancelled. It was cancelled last Thursday, 13 March 2014. The KTE horizontal engine testing will run through completion and then the program will be totally closed up by September this year. Has a reason been given for the cancellation? - Ed KyleOne reason given was the cost of tanks was coming in at 10x what they could afford.