An Ares-V-lite - 8.4m core, 5 x RS-25 core engines, 5-seg SRBs. That is pretty close to (or even identical to) the original idea in ESAS. The big advantage is pre-manrated tech (RS-25 engine and ET-derived core tanks) and off-the-shelf components, except the SRBs.
There is no competing with a J232.
8.4m ET derived core with 7 x RD-180 or 6 x RS-84. No SRB's, J-2 EDS.
In terms of fastest, safest, cheapest, I don't think you can beat the Jupiter 232. However a more sustainable launch architecture would be Ed Kyle's "Ares Ib," -- a two engine Delta IV variant, with larger tanks and improved upper stage. A single "Ares Ib" could launch Orion to the ISS, while a cluster of five would give us a 100 mT to LEO HLLV. There wouldn't be any expensive new engine development. The common core design would allow us to build HLLV's only when we need them without the cost of a low production design like the Jupiter 232.The key to a sustainable launch architecture, from what I've read on this forum, is one that continues to support medium (10-20 mT LEO) launches while being able to scale up to 100 mT when needed. The Ares Ib (aka Delta IV Advanced EELV) does just that.
A ET derived core with 6 RS-84s would be SSTO with 50mT?Oh what would it take to design a ET style tank for RP-1/LOX instead of LH2? The RS-84s suckup kerosene right?
Quote from: kkattula on 02/03/2009 11:18 am8.4m ET derived core with 7 x RD-180 or 6 x RS-84. No SRB's, J-2 EDS.Emphasis mine.This would require a re-designingof the pads and assembly area stack supports. Currently, the Shuttle stack is hung from the forward SRB attachment points, not resting on its base/thurst skirt.That isn't to say it isn't possible (someone came up with a no-SRB ET-derived CLV that could launch Orion to orbit with just four RS-25 SSMEs). It is just that it would mean some costly remodelling work.FWIW, I think that, for a 2-launch archetecture, the minimum payload-to-orbit would need to be >50mt, probably >75mt.
8.4m ET derived core with 7 x RD-180 or 6 x RS-84. No SRB's, J-2 EDS.First stage is SSTO for about 50 tons.