Quote from: yg1968 on 01/15/2016 05:02 pmDuring the CRS-2 press conference, it was mentionned that Orbital/ATK has the option of bringing up a spacecraft with unpressurized cargo only. What might that look like? Like half a Cygnus with one end missing?http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/cygnus-ucm.htmBasically the Cygnus service module with an ExPRESS Logistics Carrier on it.
During the CRS-2 press conference, it was mentionned that Orbital/ATK has the option of bringing up a spacecraft with unpressurized cargo only. What might that look like? Like half a Cygnus with one end missing?
Quote from: baldusi on 01/15/2016 05:48 pmThat could bring one huge ORU! Or a whole module ;-)Not a lot of space inside the Antares fairing...
That could bring one huge ORU! Or a whole module ;-)
Quote from: baldusi on 01/15/2016 05:48 pmBTW, the numbers according to their press release were 4,400kg of cargo on an Atlas V. Have they bid the four segment Cygnus?Their press release strongly implies that the initial task orders will be the current "enhanced Cygnus." How they proposed to stuff 4.4t in there is beyond me... lots of water? Send the astros some free weights and a Bocce set?
BTW, the numbers according to their press release were 4,400kg of cargo on an Atlas V. Have they bid the four segment Cygnus?
Quote from: arachnitect on 01/15/2016 10:17 pmQuote from: baldusi on 01/15/2016 05:48 pmQuote from: arachnitect on 01/15/2016 10:17 pmQuote from: baldusi on 01/15/2016 05:48 pmActually, Enhanced Cygnus is the craft with most available volume (27m³). And they could very easily do 33m³ with a four segment. I know that on the conference NASA stated that they had bid the same "Enhanced Cignus" (AKA three segment Cygnus). The four segment couldn't use an Atlas V 401 because the it wouldn't fit under the fairing (because of the length).
Quote from: baldusi on 01/15/2016 05:48 pm
Quote from: baldusi on 01/16/2016 12:51 amQuote from: arachnitect on 01/15/2016 10:17 pmQuote from: baldusi on 01/15/2016 05:48 pmQuote from: arachnitect on 01/15/2016 10:17 pmQuote from: baldusi on 01/15/2016 05:48 pmActually, Enhanced Cygnus is the craft with most available volume (27m³). And they could very easily do 33m³ with a four segment. I know that on the conference NASA stated that they had bid the same "Enhanced Cignus" (AKA three segment Cygnus). The four segment couldn't use an Atlas V 401 because the it wouldn't fit under the fairing (because of the length).Simple solution use an Atlas V 501. Which in theory could take a 5 segment PCM Cygnus up.
Give those spores 25-30°C and a dead air zone and you have more than spores. Don't stop it and you have a mycotoixin factory, plus likely allergic responses. Definitely non-trivial.
SNC reported that OA has made a follow on order for berthing mechanisms from them. While this in and of its self isn't unusual I was surprised that their press release said that with OA-4 three of their PCBM's have now been to the ISS. 4 Cygnus (Cygnii?) have been to the station, is their number wrong or did OA use a different PCBM for the demo mission?
As I mentioned, earlier, the company received two additional CRS 1 extension missions last year and we are in discussions now about the possibility of additional one or more additional extension missions this year to help bridge that gap before 2019 when new missions under the new CRS 2 contract would commence. While NASA has not yet established the details of its long-term plans for CRS 2, we expect the space agency to order 10 to 12 of our Cygnus Cargo Mission under that new contract for flights that would commence in 2019 and continue through 2024, the current planned retirement date of the space station. The effect at our level would be to continue to see revenue increase on the CRS program in 2016 compared to last year and then to probably stabilize at about this year's level from here on out as at least through the end of the decade. We could be either high low a little bit in that outlook and it will depend on how NASA finalizes its plans for supporting the space station over the long-term.
Under the terms of the CRS 2 contract, the payment profiles are somewhat improved and so as we transition through the completion of CRS 1 and into steady state operations on CRS 2, although it still won't represent a highly working-capital efficient business, it will improve compared to what we've experienced over the last two or three years. CRS 2 will have improved terms relative to CRS 1.