I don't understand how the same organization that thought Aries I-X was a good idea can also think its reasonable to fly EM-1 around the moon with a crew (just a little too expensive).
Quote from: Proponent on 08/05/2017 07:25 amI don't understand how the same organization that thought Aries I-X was a good idea can also think its reasonable to fly EM-1 around the moon with a crew (just a little too expensive).That is easy basic politics. If you want to keep your job you do not say "No" the the President. You can how every drop a few hints that it would be inadvisable. Money is a good hint.
...It might have worked if they stuck with the spiral development program so they were not forced to try and meet a 25+ ton payload target on the first version or drop the requirement that it have only a single upper stage engine. ...