NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
SLS / Orion / Beyond-LEO HSF - Constellation => Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLV/SLS) => Topic started by: Eric Hedman on 04/12/2017 09:47 pm
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NASA's new plans for the Deep Space Gateway and Deep Space Transport have been out for a short time. I think it is time to get an initial poll of what people think.
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I guess I don't see the Deep Space Gateway as Mars-specific, especially since one of it's primary uses is envisioned to support lunar operations.
As for the Deep Space Transport, it too is probably not Mars specific, at least at this point, since an interplanetary spacecraft could go to nearby asteroids first, or even visit Venus.
So I don't really see creating the DSG and DST as a Mars plan, just more of a NASA "what we could do next with what we got" plan.
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Skip the gateway, go for the transport. Do some initial tests in cislunar space with it, but don't spend billions (tens of billions?) on something that will still leave you stuck at 1AU.
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Skip the transport, go for the gateway. Do some initial tests in cislunar space, then down to the surface, but don't spend billions (tens of billions?) on something that will still leave you stuck at 1AU while purporting to take you to Mars.
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Skip the transport, go for the gateway. Do some initial tests in cislunar space, then down to the surface, but don't spend billions (tens of billions?) on something that will still leave you stuck at 1AU while purporting to take you to Mars.
Launch the gateway on an Atlas V, ASAP. Build a few spares while you are at it.
EDIT: and oh. https://www.nasa.gov/missions/solarsystem/vision_concepts.html
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Skip the transport, go for the gateway. Do some initial tests in cislunar space, then down to the surface, but don't spend billions (tens of billions?) on something that will still leave you stuck at 1AU while purporting to take you to Mars.
A transit vehicle could go from LEO to LLO, from EML1/2 to SEL1/2 to Mars orbit to Phobos and Deimos (just need a jet pack or long rope to get to the surface), to various asteroids (would be nice to see Ceres and Vesta up close), etc. or you could just use it to hang out in cislunar space if you're afraid of being truly spacefaring. :)
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Voted
Don;t like it
Some issues-
requires over priced and extremely low flight rate SLS
opens up more delays in getting crew to Mars surface
Deep Space Gateway is a distraction , not a benefit for crewed Mars missions
Some of what is needed and could have a robotic sample return-
in-space propellant transfer
reusable tankers ( also the 2nd stage for the launcher )
descender and ascender for crew
crew size rover
Needs no later than 2030 for 1st crew landing.
Edit:
What NASA and Country needs-
1 ) Commercial crew CST-100 and Dragon 2
2 ) Vulcan/ACES to replace Atlas V and Delta IV
3 ) In-space refueling for ULA and SpaceX
In that order.
Falcon, Vulcan with in-space refueling is what can bring in crewed BLEO exploration and science.
No need for a larger vehicle that is only used once in a while with a separate fixed overhead that does not support other launches that are done monthly.
Vulcan with it's wide body could launch anything needed for Mars and Falcon with reuse for lower cost for tankers.
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I like some things:
- Gives SLS/Orion some reasonable justification as a "safe path" that COULD allow for commercial development into deep space (we all knew Orion was NEVER going to Mars)
- Minimal launch rate of SLS, deep space gateway modules are within realm of lift for commercial heavy lifters
- Allows for some pretty open ended international involvement
- Can serve as a staging point for lunar OR near Earth asteroid missions or re-positioned if the need comes to it
- Commercial resupply is a part of the plan
- Using SLS to fly a single deep space craft for orbiting to Mars
Don't like some others:
- Needs more docking ports to allow for multi-user growth
- Retains ownership of the SEP tug for DSG that is then lifted by SLS. If this were instead procured from a purely commercial and competitive process then perhaps others can find uses for the tech after? NASA already funded development efforts to multiple companies
- So far no mention of the NextStep habs. Are these planned? Will it be a competitive and experimental (cheaper but risky) program?
- No soliciting (that is visible) of commercial users and demonstrated vision. ULA's cislunar1000 and prop depots? I bet Deep Space Industries and Planetary Resources would love an opportunity to stage from or return samples to a platform far out of the gravity well that is manned and has regular cargo flights to/from.
Last thought:
- if NASA or an international partner does field a module or a node, it would be nice to see one based internally to the Universal Stage Adapter rather than wasting all that mass that has been sent through TLI
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I think it could use improvement, but is a practical and, more to the point, only option NASA can afford to do without another 20 year derailment.
The gateway is mainly a benefit for Lunar exploration, although if periodically moved to L2 it may help Mars. It's main use is testing out life support systems required for Martian trips; I have to admit ensuring some hardware can manage to function steady for 2 years (or at least 8 months straight) with minimal replacement parts is on the side of wisdom. It isn't really needed for the sake of exploration itself, but it is more affordable with more applications toward exploring rather than biology experiments ala ISS.
I've since learned we can't repeat Apollo without an Apollo budget. Not expecting pie-in-the-sky when NASA only has crumbs to work with.
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Nope. Quit throwing good money after bad. Cancel the 2 albatrosses. Focus on facilitating commercial companies who have their eyes on Mars and are focused on use of cutting edge technology rather than
legacy antiquated tech that is really just a pork portal.
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It could always use improvements, but as a first draft, I think it's a good start. I like it.
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The plan has a big problem.
Phase 1. Develop Deep Space Gateway and Deep Space Transport.
Phase 2. ?
Phase 3. Humans on Mars!
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Skip the gateway, go for the transport. Do some initial tests in cislunar space with it, but don't spend billions (tens of billions?) on something that will still leave you stuck at 1AU.
Cost and complexity of the Gateway will be very small compared to any Mars mission. If you cant afford the Gateway, then you surely cant afford Mars.
In all likelihood, we are either going to both Moon and Mars, or we are not going to Mars at all.
I see this Moon vs. Mars dichotomy often, and I think it is fallacious. Its like asking if we are going to walk or run. You cant run without walking first. There is plenty of deep space experience to be gained in cislunar space and on lunar surface that will be applicable not just to a Mars mission, but any deep space goal.
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Nope. Quit throwing good money after bad. Cancel the 2 albatrosses. Focus on facilitating commercial companies who have their eyes on Mars and are focused on use of cutting edge technology rather than legacy antiquated tech that is really just a pork portal.
Boeing and LM have their eyes on Mars.
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Give up NASA plans. Give up SLS. Give matching fund money to SpaceX for Mars plans. Give matching fun money to BO for lunar plans/manufacturing plans. Give ULA matching funds to develop Vulcan/ACES and modules/habs for both Mars and Lunar expeditions. Use a COTS style program for other companies to develop modules/habs/mining/construction equipment. NASA would become the funding agency by having matching funds available for Space developers. That way, twice the money at least, would be spent on Space related stuff. Half government, half private companies. As equipment and things are developed, then pay for rides. This could be a public/private/foreign assisted partnerships to get things down in space.
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Give up NASA plans. Give up SLS. Give matching fund money to SpaceX for Mars plans. Give matching fun money to BO for lunar plans/manufacturing plans. Give ULA matching funds to develop Vulcan/ACES and modules/habs for both Mars and Lunar expeditions. Use a COTS style program for other companies to develop modules/habs/mining/construction equipment. NASA would become the funding agency by having matching funds available for Space developers. That way, twice the money at least, would be spent on Space related stuff. Half government, half private companies. As equipment and things are developed, then pay for rides. This could be a public/private/foreign assisted partnerships to get things down in space.
Good luck convincing Congress to authorize any of that...
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NASA did well with COTS program. Trump is wanting to do the same with the infrastructure. Public/private. It will be like toll roads and bridges. Private companies recouping their private investment money with tolls. With NASA, You have two billionaires who want to do things, but they can only move so fast without a little kick start. COTS for the moon, COTS for Mars, etc. Let's see everyone's plans, which is the least expensive? Which is the most practical? Which gives the most bang for the buck? Even if it is the most expensive, it would be the least expensive and get the most done in the long run.
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NASA did well with COTS program. Trump is wanting to do the same with the infrastructure. Public/private. It will be like toll roads and bridges. Private companies recouping their private investment money with tolls. With NASA, You have two billionaires who want to do things, but they can only move so fast without a little kick start. COTS for the moon, COTS for Mars, etc. Let's see everyone's plans, which is the least expensive? Which is the most practical? Which gives the most bang for the buck? Even if it is the most expensive, it would be the least expensive and get the most done in the long run.
Yes, there will be commercial supply contracts for whatever NASA does, whether Moon or Mars. That has been part of NASA's plans for some time now.
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Based on the IG report, even the cheapest SLS/Orion plan would require annual HSF budget to increase by 2.4% every year, I don't see how this is sustainable. Unless this new plan magically solves the funding issue, going down this path is pure insanity.
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Based on the IG report, even the cheapest SLS/Orion plan would require annual HSF budget to increase by 2.4% every year....
And that's 2.4% above inflation. The NRC study (https://www.nap.edu/catalog/18801/pathways-to-exploration-rationales-and-approaches-for-a-us-program) commissioned by Congress told us almost precisely the same thing in 2014.
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Nope. Quit throwing good money after bad. Cancel the 2 albatrosses. Focus on facilitating commercial companies who have their eyes on Mars and are focused on use of cutting edge technology rather than legacy antiquated tech that is really just a pork portal.
Boeing and LM have their eyes on Mars.
How much of their own money are they spending on it, beyond Powerpoints?
I voted "could use improvement" because any plan that has SLS in it... could use improvement. To be fair, might be (probably are) stuck with SLS given reality, but it's a terrible waste...
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Nope. Quit throwing good money after bad. Cancel the 2 albatrosses. Focus on facilitating commercial companies who have their eyes on Mars and are focused on use of cutting edge technology rather than legacy antiquated tech that is really just a pork portal.
Boeing and LM have their eyes on Mars.
No, Boeing and LM have their eyes on NASA contracts. SpaceX and Blue Origin are both using their own capital to develop tech that could very likely have no return on investment, at least not for a good while. Boeing and LM are only developing something after it has been assigned to them.
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Nope. Quit throwing good money after bad. Cancel the 2 albatrosses. Focus on facilitating commercial companies who have their eyes on Mars and are focused on use of cutting edge technology rather than legacy antiquated tech that is really just a pork portal.
Boeing and LM have their eyes on Mars.
I'm sure they do, just like I do. I look at pictures of the Red Planet all the time.
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These plans have nothing to do with the 2017 authorisation act requirements?
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=39540.240
Subsec. 432(b) Before 1 Dec. 2017, then biannually or more frequently, with budget submission NASA "Human Exploration Roadmap"
seems closest - but I missed any budget in this.
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I've voted for "could use improvement" too, although my preferred choice would be "could be (vastly) improved".
The simple reason: If they create a DSG-module, that is agnostic to its location, they could set one up at the EM-L2, another one in the orbit of Mars, another one in the orbit of Venus, etc. Whereever they want to go, they could place a DSG for future missions.
These DSGs could act as seed-points for larger stations with mission-relevant modules (just leave the mission module at the DSG (no point of taking it back to earth, and no point in discarding it afterwards), and let these modules cumulate over time).
This way, there'll be soon a network of stations scattered over the inner solar system (maybe even one or two in the outer solar system), with regular visits of crews.
Of course, that can't be the goal for the next 10-15 years, this is a multi decade effort, and that also means that we don't know yet which rockets will be used for visiting these stations. First, there will be SLS (unless it gets cancelled), then there will be evolved versions of SLS, or NASA takes a ride on a commercially available heavy lift system, which should be available in the near future (next decade).
From those stations, it is just a minor (more or less) hop down to the surface (depending on the object... venus will be insanely tough), requiring a special spacecraft...
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Nope. Quit throwing good money after bad. Cancel the 2 albatrosses. Focus on facilitating commercial companies who have their eyes on Mars and are focused on use of cutting edge technology rather than legacy antiquated tech that is really just a pork portal.
Boeing and LM have their eyes on Mars.
What? Did someone discover pork on Mars?