Core:Direct = STS-sized core with 3 or 4 SSMESLS = Stretched core with 5 or 6 3, 4, or 5 SSME (may not bother with 3)
Ground weight support:DIRECT: Boosters via thrust beamSLS: Core thrust structure
Could the informed please enlighten me on the differences between the last version of Direct and SLS?
Ground weight support:...SLS: Core thrust structure
Quote from: Ben the Space Brit on 02/03/2012 03:54 pmGround weight support:...SLS: Core thrust structureFalse !
I believe the tank stretch is probably cost-effective, when you divide the additional performance by the additional cost. It does, however, result in a more expensive system overall
DIRECT: upper stage handles both orbital insertion and earth departure dutiesSLS: Upper stage and earth departure duties handled by different stages.
It's not the Plan yet, though, unless ... is there authorization language and appropriations of funding to pursue it?
Quote from: Lars_J on 02/03/2012 03:33 pmCore:Direct = STS-sized core with 3 or 4 SSMESLS = Stretched core with 5 or 6 3, 4, or 5 SSME (may not bother with 3)Where did you get 6 engines?
Quote from: sdsds on 02/05/2012 09:01 pmIt's not the Plan yet, though, unless ... is there authorization language and appropriations of funding to pursue it?IIRC - the Authorisation Act specifically required an integrated US/EDS; I've got the feeling that Congress were specifically thinking of the J-2X version of the Jupiter Upper stage or something similar to this.
(A) The initial capability of the core elements, withoutan upper stage, of lifting payloads weighing between 70tons and 100 tons into low-Earth orbit in preparation fortransit for missions beyond low-Earth orbit.(B) The capability to carry an integrated upper Earthdeparture stage bringing the total lift capability of theSpace Launch System to 130 tons or more.