The Aerospace study involved a new upper stage as one of the ways to launch a lunar capable Orion.
Also, the third extension option which relies heavily on Discovery, I feel that could also be a risky option in relying on a single orbiter for 6 flights. Just my opinion though.
The question is why is that your opinion?
Quote from: smith5se on 07/28/2009 07:09 pmAlso, the third extension option which relies heavily on Discovery, I feel that could also be a risky option in relying on a single orbiter for 6 flights. Just my opinion though.I think it’s actually beneficial to utilize one orbiter instead of two. The turn around time for two missions a year is plenty of time to process a single orbiter (or MPLM for that matter). Also, we’ll have two orbiters available to supply spare parts for the single orbiter as opposed to one orbiter supporting two.
The Delta IV heavy has the performance (with 20% margin) to meet the lunar mission. Aerospace likes the new upper stage because it provides engine out and allows derating of the RL-10. Engine out is nice but not required. Same for derating.
Shuttle-C turned out to be an unsustainable development (IE cost of shuttle boattail, computers ect) so why would SD HLLV be any different?At this rate, I would say switch to EELV and just do incremental development to gain an HLV.
Quote from: Ronsmytheiii on 07/29/2009 02:18 amShuttle-C turned out to be an unsustainable development (IE cost of shuttle boattail, computers ect) so why would SD HLLV be any different?At this rate, I would say switch to EELV and just do incremental development to gain an HLV.It's not Shuttle-C.The point is commonality. SD-HLLV after Shuttle extension is the only way to reduce the gap. It was said enough times at the commission today. It was pretty obvious that the findings available to the commission have ruled out all vehicle alternatives as gap reducers bar SD-HLLV on the end of shuttle extension.After all, this is about shuttle and ISS extension.
SD-HLLV after Shuttle extension is the only way to reduce the gap. It was said enough times at the commission today.
The point is commonality. SD-HLLV after Shuttle extension is the only way to reduce the gap. It was said enough times at the commission today.
I think she said nothing will be ready soon enough to shorten the gap from the tail end ("right side"), but that it could be shortened from the left side by extending the shuttle launches.