The first DSH can be tested in LEO. This can then become the Earth gateway spacestation allowing interchanging between capsules and ferries.The second DSH can be flown near to the Moon, possibilities include EML-1 or EML-2 or DRO. This allows interchanging between ferries and lunar landers or Mars transfer vehicles. The landers and transfer vehicles could also be refuelled at an attached propellant depot.
Quote from: A_M_Swallow on 03/23/2016 03:19 amThe first DSH can be tested in LEO. This can then become the Earth gateway spacestation allowing interchanging between capsules and ferries.The second DSH can be flown near to the Moon, possibilities include EML-1 or EML-2 or DRO. This allows interchanging between ferries and lunar landers or Mars transfer vehicles. The landers and transfer vehicles could also be refuelled at an attached propellant depot.My understanding is that the DSH will be a module with ISS heritage, irrespective if it is Destiny heritage or BEAM heritage, so it will be sent directly to DRO without the need for LEO testing
My understanding is that the DSH will be a module with ISS heritage, irrespective if it is Destiny heritage or BEAM heritage, so it will be sent directly to DRO without the need for LEO testing
We need spacestations at both LEO and in lunar orbit. The ISS is a microgravity research facility so using it as an interchange will upset lots of experiments.There are several proposals for the DSH including one from Bigelow. We will find out which one gets chosen.Getting heavy items to lunar orbit is not easy, particularly if they have to wait for an SLS.
Once constructed in LEO a space tug based on the propulsion module of the ARRM spacecraft could be used to deploy the spacestation to lunar orbit.
Quote from: A_M_Swallow on 03/24/2016 05:14 amOnce constructed in LEO a space tug based on the propulsion module of the ARRM spacecraft could be used to deploy the spacestation to lunar orbit.I think the plan is to deliver it direct to DRO and add any additional modules there. The 1B can deliver about 10t plus Orion to DRO. Keeping each module to 10t would mean no additional cost for a dedicated SLS delivery mission. Plus crew would be available for assembly and commissioning.At 10t commercial LVs ( FH, Vulcan) could also be used.
Quote from: muomega0 on 03/21/2016 01:32 amSquyres At all future milestones on the road to Mars, direct the Agency to focus narrowly on activities that clearly serve the goal of landing humans on Mars, operating there, and returning them safely to Earth.How is landing and handful of government employees on Mars for a short period, a useful "goal"?
Squyres At all future milestones on the road to Mars, direct the Agency to focus narrowly on activities that clearly serve the goal of landing humans on Mars, operating there, and returning them safely to Earth.
Lower the cost of getting to LEO.Lower the cost of supporting humans in space.Lower the cost of going beyond LEO.Lower the cost of supporting humans BEO.Everything else -- Moon, Mars, asteroids, SLS, whatever -- is just treading water, burning money and decades, hoping these four things will somehow drop out of going to moon/Mars/asteroids or building SLS or whatever.
A goal of seven destinations is just as dumb as a goal of one. (Or the goal of a vehicle/module type, such as a DSH.)...Apollo..Shuttle...ISS....X-33....HLV....Orion....In every case, the reason for the goal was always the very first thing abandoned in order to protect the program.
{snip}L1 restricts the BEO architecture to heavies. HLVs will have difficulty attracting commercial customers, increasing the cost that the government must pay per launch.
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/12/exploration-gateway-platform-hosting-reusable-lunar-lander-proposed/
{snip}Assuming the lander is stowed at DSH in a Lagrange point or high orbit do we have any calculations as to how much fuel may be needed?
Quote from: MATTBLAK on 03/25/2016 11:30 pmhttps://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/12/exploration-gateway-platform-hosting-reusable-lunar-lander-proposed/Good to have an occassional refresher. Assuming the lander is stowed at DSH in a Lagrange point or high orbit do we have any calculations as to how much fuel may be needed?
This and other related subjects are discussed in a new issue. You can download the articles for free:http://online.liebertpub.com/toc/space/4/1