Really interesting article. I wonder if it's unique where the second stage ignition is after such a long coast after separation?
Great article. We have this launch not too long after Dragon returns. That's more like it!
Article says, domestically produced?Is the 1st stage Russian design and manufactured? The 1st stage engines are Russian with modifications from American company?How is this rocket then domestically produced?And there is the issue of were new engines if needed would be made?
Thanks Newpylong!Quote from: RocketmanUS on 03/18/2013 04:19 amArticle says, domestically produced?Is the 1st stage Russian design and manufactured? The 1st stage engines are Russian with modifications from American company?How is this rocket then domestically produced?And there is the issue of were new engines if needed would be made?We've been over this before Sure, there's some of the core materials and engines at NK-33s - but sold and repurposed by Aerojet (US company) into the AJ-26s.It would be nitpicking in the extreme to use that to demote it from being a US built vehicle, but I know some people will. Personally, I'm not, and neither are Orbital.
It probably has more US content than your average GM or Chysler automobile.
If new engines are to be made were will they be made?
Quote from: RocketmanUS on 03/18/2013 03:54 pmIf new engines are to be made were will they be made?From Ed Kyle's Space Launch Report:"During the 1990s, Aerojet acquired rights to import about 46 of the engines from ND Kuznetsov Joint Stock Company Scientific-Technical Complex of Samara Russia. The engines were originally developed for the Soviet Union's N1 launch vehicle. More than 50 more NK33s are reported to remain in storage in Samara. Aerojet negotiated a license to produce new copies in the U.S., but such production would require several years to initiate. "
...Is the 1st stage Russian design and manufactured? ...