Does "RL10C" imply these engines will not be the modernized RL10 variant AJR is working on?
Omega is the last letter in the greek alphabet. Often this implies the last in a series. "I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end".Why do the upper stage nozzles appear to be underexpanded? Solids are poor on iSP, they need all the help they can get. And even RL-10's can support drop down nozzles.The graphic suggests monolithic stages, but the first stage is too large for rail transport, so it must be segmented. Which requires assembly as part of the flow and readiness time, as well as a time limit on pad and in the VAB.Where are the fairing dimensions? Are they similar the RUAG's? Are they RUAG?
The graphic suggests monolithic stages, but the first stage is too large for rail transport, so it must be segmented. Which requires assembly as part of the flow and readiness time, as well as a time limit on pad and in the VAB.
What needs would this rocket fulfill in world where you'll have F9, FH, Vulcan & New Glenn?
Quote from: rcoppola on 04/17/2018 02:27 pmWhat needs would this rocket fulfill in world where you'll have F9, FH, Vulcan & New Glenn?The Air Force's desire to keep the solid propellant industry busy.
Quote from: Kabloona on 04/17/2018 02:29 pmQuote from: rcoppola on 04/17/2018 02:27 pmWhat needs would this rocket fulfill in world where you'll have F9, FH, Vulcan & New Glenn?The Air Force's desire to keep the solid propellant industry busy.I would think there are better, more efficient ways to do that than propping up an unnecessary, unneeded launcher and associated expenses, some of which would have nothing to do with solid propellants.
Quote from: Space Ghost 1962 on 04/17/2018 04:01 amThe graphic suggests monolithic stages, but the first stage is too large for rail transport, so it must be segmented. Which requires assembly as part of the flow and readiness time, as well as a time limit on pad and in the VAB.According to this earlier SFN report, Stage 1 is indeed segmented. The graphic is poor, but it does seem to show vague joint lines at intervals equal to the length of Stage 2, which is one segment long.https://spaceflightnow.com/2016/05/27/details-of-orbital-atks-proposed-heavy-launcher-revealed/(Obviously written before OATK opted for RL-10 vs. BE-3U, but the details of the solids seem current).Ed Kyle has put some estimated numbers on the SRM segments here, for reference:http://www.spacelaunchreport.com/ngl.html
The heavy class looks like a vibration nightmare. Wonder how they will solve that...
Very interesting! Not a bad name
QuoteTo date, we have completed 4 large composite cases and will begin casting propellant in the first inert motor next week #OmegaRockethttps://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/986031070398345216
To date, we have completed 4 large composite cases and will begin casting propellant in the first inert motor next week #OmegaRocket
Quote from: Lars-J on 04/17/2018 12:27 amVery interesting! Not a bad name Yes it is. Omega just lends itself to jokes about coming in last.
There is another point for the use of the name "Omega". If you were going to compartmentalize certain specific parts of NSS that might never be economically bid by any commercial, the "last" option might be to have a minimum footprint means of supplying that need.