Quote from: Jim on 03/09/2012 01:59 amBut since VAFB exists, it trumps KodiakStill, there must be something driving these companies away from places like the Cape and Vandenberg to places like Wallops and Kodiak.That something is green with numbers on it, I suspect, provided by local governments. - Ed Kyle
But since VAFB exists, it trumps Kodiak
btw. The earths rotation speed at Kodiak at ~57 north is about 570 mph, and at Vandenberg at ~24 north is 950 mph. For polar that must be overcome and you have about a 380 mph (170 meters per second).
Quote from: kevin-rf on 03/09/2012 12:51 amHonestly, the part that falls apart with all this is dragging the rocket out to Kodiak, for an insignificant paper gain. I understand your good points. Would you say the same of the ESA? Everything is shipped to South America and they have made it work with still losses.Do the paper gains work that much differently than launching from say France?
Honestly, the part that falls apart with all this is dragging the rocket out to Kodiak, for an insignificant paper gain.
Thus, Kourou is king of launch site, at least until (and if) Alcantara fully develops.
Quote from: baldusi on 03/09/2012 06:38 pmThus, Kourou is king of launch site, at least until (and if) Alcantara fully develops.Nah, peak of mt. Everest
I did not realize that Kodiak, having lost anti-missile test work... - Ed Kyle
That means business for smaller, cheaper launch vehicles. - Ed Kyle
C) All SRM segments will use the same propellant grain and geometry,
Quote from: edkyle99 on 04/13/2012 03:57 pm That means business for smaller, cheaper launch vehicles. - Ed KyleIt also means cheaper payloads, since you no longer have all that extra plumbing and related costs.
Quote from: kevin-rf on 04/13/2012 05:02 pmQuote from: edkyle99 on 04/13/2012 03:57 pm That means business for smaller, cheaper launch vehicles. - Ed KyleIt also means cheaper payloads, since you no longer have all that extra plumbing and related costs.Inert Xenon versus incredibly toxic hydrazine. Big win there, IMHO.
... so Kodiak Athena would have thinner competition than a theoretical East Coast Athena. - Ed Kyle
Quote from: Robotbeat on 04/13/2012 05:22 pmQuote from: kevin-rf on 04/13/2012 05:02 pmQuote from: edkyle99 on 04/13/2012 03:57 pm That means business for smaller, cheaper launch vehicles. - Ed KyleIt also means cheaper payloads, since you no longer have all that extra plumbing and related costs.Inert Xenon versus incredibly toxic hydrazine. Big win there, IMHO.Isn't there a looming Xenon shortage due to increase usage and no increase in global production?