I see some really good ideas here. Too bad this wasn't published before the HSF committee finished its public meetings, because this doesn't really fit in any of their options. It's a Moon first architecture with no HLV development. I'd like to see some more details, such as how this would fit in the projected funding profile, and how they intend to dock the different vehicles to the propellant depots.
Quote from: wronkiew on 09/11/2009 07:22 pmI see some really good ideas here. Too bad this wasn't published before the HSF committee finished its public meetings, because this doesn't really fit in any of their options. It's a Moon first architecture with no HLV development. I'd like to see some more details, such as how this would fit in the projected funding profile, and how they intend to dock the different vehicles to the propellant depots.I have a question: I was re reading the article 'Augustine Review: October summit set to reveal NASA’s forward path' here: http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/09/augustine-review-october-summit-set-to-reveal-nasas-forward-path/and I ran across this line in the second paragraph of the SD HLLV section: "An impressive EELV-based exploration architecture is understood to be making huge strides behind the scenes, in preparation for being one of the frontrunners in the conclusions of the Augustine Review report."Is this likely to be that EELV architecture? If so it sounds like the Augustine commision already knows about it!
That Lunar lander is like nothing I've ever seen!
ACES has no helium or hydrazine systems- all pressurization, attitude control and power is generated by consuming its two main propellants.
Pay to develop our ACES and we will give you the moon.... (sorry for the sarcasm) ... That is cheaper than Ares...More interesting is : QuoteACES has no helium or hydrazine systems- all pressurization, attitude control and power is generated by consuming its two main propellants.So what is the impact of that?Will ACES be cheaper due the lack of other systems?Will ACES be more reliable?It will lack the toxicity of other systems.