Ares I upper stage

[spacenut]

How far along was the development of this stage?

Can it be used as an upper stage for Atlas V phase II?

Can it be used as an upper stage for a Delta IV heavy?

Was it to use common bulkhead?

Can it use a cluster of 4-6 RL-10's?

[Downix]

How far along was the development of this stage?

So far as I understand, it wasn't, because the final engine demands were not yet in place.

Can it be used as an upper stage for Atlas V phase II?

In theory, yes, but why would you when to hit Atlas Phase II they already had to have Atlas Phase I, which offered a better upper stage.

Can it be used as an upper stage for a Delta IV heavy?

In theory, perhaps, but see above, the common upper stage ULA is working on is better than AIUS.

Was it to use common bulkhead?

Yes.

Can it use a cluster of 4-6 RL-10's?

No, thrust structure could not work, nor would there be enough room underneath.

[spacenut]

When will ULA have their new common upper stage?  I assume it is to be 5m diameter. 

[Downix]

When will ULA have their new common upper stage?  I assume it is to be 5m diameter. 

whenever there is a market demand for it.  Right now, it's not strong enough, but in the 4-5 years before an AIUS would be ready, it would be ready.

Details can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Common_Evolved_Stage

I would note, since the first papers on the new stage came out, talk has also come out discussing how with the modular thrust structure, it could handle a J-2X as well, for when you needed high-thrust but not necessarily high-impulse.  Ideal for a Delta IV heavy. Take that, put a J-2X on the 73 and it would throw over 35 tons to LEO.  Would be less than ideal for GTO and GEO, but for those you retain the RL-10's, which a 73 on the DIVH could deliver over 20 metric tons to GTO, better than the Falcon Heavy.

[spacenut]

Can the common upper stage fit the Atlas V smaller diameter? 

What about Atlas V heavy if it ever comes on line?

Can it be man rated? 

Can it work with AJAX?  If so, what would the throw weight be for TLI?

Sounds like this should be developed and then the AJAX since production of 4 seg solids have stopped, shuttle program is down, and 5 seg solids are expensive and limited. 

I thought the Ares I upper stage was further along, waiting for J2X.