{snip}Thus, what is needed before EM-2 is a crewed test of Orion in LEO for a three week mission. However, other than an expensive Space Launch System flight, there is currently no vehicle rated to carry a crewed Orion into space. However, a Delta IV Heavy will be launching an uncrewed Orion for a test flight at the end of this year.{snip}
Thanks pathfinder_01. Yes, if two IDA ports are available, that would make sense. Do you know where the location of the second IDA would be?
My own preference is to put Orion on FH (F9 is going to be man rated anyway) only, make SLS into cargo only and never man rate it.
Very smart, Steven. [snip]
Quote from: TomH on 05/17/2014 02:06 amVery smart, Steven. [snip]Two points:1. SLS is not the pacing element, Orion is.2. Not manrating SLS might've been a smart move back in 2011 but with most of the vehicle having passed CDR now, changing the design will only further hurt the schedule and increase the cost, for little benefit.