I think libs0n is correct. Boeing and LockMart are currently not standing idle waiting for a decision to be made. They are lobbying in order to get the best possible deal for them.
Why start a heavy lift project now with obsolete technology? Five years from now, we will have those NASA sponsored advanced game changing technologies that will enable design of a much more capable product. Then US space technology can leapfrog over anything either in use or in concept now.--- CHAS
Quote from: OV-106 on 04/22/2010 02:27 pmYeah, I see your point. It is all about money. Nothing more. Thanks again. I think these guys are a bit jaded. I know quite a few inside of Boeing, and they do, actually, have more scruples than just out for a buck. If the last tanker competition had not changed the rules mid-bid, Boeing likely would not have protested, for example. They could have thrown a fit over the issues with the first tanker bid as well, but didn't.I will not write this move up to pure greed, altho making money is definately within Boeings mindset, it is not all that is within their mindset.
Yeah, I see your point. It is all about money. Nothing more. Thanks again.
Quote from: simonth on 04/22/2010 02:08 pmI think libs0n is correct. Boeing and LockMart are currently not standing idle waiting for a decision to be made. They are lobbying in order to get the best possible deal for them. Which is SDLV or new vehicle and not EELV
3. If they would be rooting for a SDLV, why do they not clearly say so in their statement?
Short term payoff is. EELV is the best way forward, not growth, not expantion, flat out EELV as-is.
What would be the rational for them to lobby for a new vehicle than an EELV growth part? Up until last year they advocated to invest into their EELV growth strategy.
And I'm sure getting in on the ground floor of a long term uncontested income stream has nothing to do with anything.
Quote from: HIPAR on 04/22/2010 02:30 pmWhy start a heavy lift project now with obsolete technology? Five years from now, we will have those NASA sponsored advanced game changing technologies that will enable design of a much more capable product. Then US space technology can leapfrog over anything either in use or in concept now.There will not be any "Game changing" technologies for a HLV lower stage, most will just be upperstage/propellant depot related, the laws of physics remain the same. HLV will probably either be Shuttle or EELV derived, no need to reinvent the wheel.
Why start a heavy lift project now with obsolete technology? Five years from now, we will have those NASA sponsored advanced game changing technologies that will enable design of a much more capable product. Then US space technology can leapfrog over anything either in use or in concept now.
Besides, in five years SpaceX will be up to speed and able to hold its own against ULA
Quote from: jimgagnon on 04/22/2010 04:39 pmBesides, in five years SpaceX will be up to speed and able to hold its own against ULAThat is not a given. More it will fail or be taken over.
Quote from: Jim on 04/22/2010 04:55 pmQuote from: jimgagnon on 04/22/2010 04:39 pmBesides, in five years SpaceX will be up to speed and able to hold its own against ULAThat is not a given. More it will fail or be taken over.Perhaps. If it gets bought who do you think will buy it? ULA? I don't see OSC buying it. Fail only if f9 proves non viable IMO.
Fail only if f9 proves non viable IMO.
'We have the technology and the people to commence development of these vehicles now'. --- BoeingThat's true if we want to go that way. Someone who knows about these things must have performed an analysis proving current technology grossly under performs.
Since nobody in actual charge seems to be in any hurry to get on with advanced manned missions, we might as well wait for Thrust Augmented Nozzles or whatever else will materialize from Administrator Bolden's vision.
Quote from: Jim on 04/22/2010 04:55 pmQuote from: jimgagnon on 04/22/2010 04:39 pmBesides, in five years SpaceX will be up to speed and able to hold its own against ULAThat is not a given. More it will fail or be taken over.Perhaps. If it gets bought who do you think will buy it? ULA? I don't see OSC buying it.