It sounds like ULA has already made their decision.
That does of course make this an interesting scenario if ULA on their own made a decision before Congress awarding funds for an "RD-180 replacement program" - such a multi-billion $ award would presumably have to be competed. I guess they don't need the congressional funds?
It sounds like ULA has already made their decision.That does of course make this an interesting scenario if ULA on their own made a decision before Congress awarding funds for an "RD-180 replacement program" - such a multi-billion $ award would presumably have to be competed. I guess they don't need the congressional funds?
I'm curious about the specifics, but it does feel like a "square peg in a round hole" kind of solution.
Solid core plus solid strap ons isn't unheard of and is definitely doable.
But if selected (really big if) how would this affect CST-100?
Quote from: M129K on 09/23/2014 07:24 pmBut if selected (really big if) how would this affect CST-100?CST-100 is flying on an Atlas V.
No in flight throttle control with all solid 1st stage.
Is that the test flight? What about after when Atlas V's 1st stage is replaced? Then CST-100 would be launched on that new 1st stage?
Quote from: RocketmanUS on 09/23/2014 08:00 pmNo in flight throttle control with all solid 1st stage.It could use grain geometry to produce preset throttling curve like SRBs did (=thrust dropped during maxQ then increased again).
Quote from: RocketmanUS on 09/23/2014 08:00 pmIs that the test flight? What about after when Atlas V's 1st stage is replaced? Then CST-100 would be launched on that new 1st stage?If you do independent checking of dates for expected/planned/hoped first flight of the new Blue-ULA LV, and then read Dr Sowers' responses to various questions, you'll know that the entire current Crew contract (2-6 flights) should be covered by the Atlas V (not sure if you have L2, but much is public knowledge/threads). Note the Atlas V 1st stage won't be replaced, it'll be an entirely new LV (though likely with existing upper stage for some time after the new core flies). One step at a time...
If they have the RD-180's for the crew flights ( and they just might get them ). But after that the new vehicle would be in place to take over CST-100 launches. What would you prefer BE-4 or ATK solid for crewed CST-100 flights?