Quote from: Jim on 08/25/2022 07:47 pmQuote from: TrevorMonty on 08/25/2022 07:40 pmThe GEM63 and XL are off shelf in that NG has production line for them.Likely ULA exclusive use.Omega was going to us GEM63XLT.
Quote from: TrevorMonty on 08/25/2022 07:40 pmThe GEM63 and XL are off shelf in that NG has production line for them.Likely ULA exclusive use.
The GEM63 and XL are off shelf in that NG has production line for them.
Quote from: TrevorMonty on 08/25/2022 07:50 pmQuote from: Jim on 08/25/2022 07:47 pmQuote from: TrevorMonty on 08/25/2022 07:40 pmThe GEM63 and XL are off shelf in that NG has production line for them.Likely ULA exclusive use.Omega was going to us GEM63XLT.That is neither of them nor off the shelf.
Quote from: Jim on 08/25/2022 05:51 pmQuote from: TrevorMonty on 08/15/2022 06:56 pmGiven how many times FH has flown not worth extra R&D. SRBs are off the shelf.No, they are not. And they are SRM's. SRB is a Shuttle booster using a Shuttle SRM and it is also what ULA calls the Atlas V SRMs as configured for launch. It is not a generic term.The GEM63 and XL are off shelf in that NG has production line for them. (snip)
Quote from: TrevorMonty on 08/15/2022 06:56 pmGiven how many times FH has flown not worth extra R&D. SRBs are off the shelf.No, they are not. And they are SRM's. SRB is a Shuttle booster using a Shuttle SRM and it is also what ULA calls the Atlas V SRMs as configured for launch. It is not a generic term.
Given how many times FH has flown not worth extra R&D. SRBs are off the shelf.
Still need a new pad and upperstage. Wallops was a big mistake
Quote from: Jim on 08/08/2022 08:23 pmStill need a new pad and upperstage. Wallops was a big mistakeWallops isn’t a mistake because I can see Wallops launches from my backyard.
Congratulations to the @Firefly_Space team on your successful launch! We look forward to collaborating with you to upgrade the first stage of our #Antares rocket and co-develop our future medium launch vehicle. 🚀
Thanks Northrop Grumman! The team is excited to be partnering with you.
I'd like to point out that if PWR had kept on developing the F-1B engine concept from 2011, they'd have had a really good chance of getting this contract.
Some discussion about the successor of Antares 230+, the Antares 330, and future MLV vehicle, at the briefing, including that Northrop/Firefly keeping open the option of making the first stage of MLV reusable.
NG's Kurt Eberly says new Antares 330 with domestically sourced (Firefly) first stage in late 2024 will be able to launch 10,500 kg compared to nominal 8,100 kg for this version.
On the other hand, Northrop might only be doing Antares 330 out of necessity, since the CRS profits are likely in the Cygnus payload. Complete the obligation to NASA, then let Firefly go off and finish the more capable all-liquid rocket on its own to fly out of the Cape.
Quote from: edkyle99 on 12/26/2022 11:08 pmOn the other hand, Northrop might only be doing Antares 330 out of necessity, since the CRS profits are likely in the Cygnus payload. Complete the obligation to NASA, then let Firefly go off and finish the more capable all-liquid rocket on its own to fly out of the Cape.Given the degree of competition in the launch market, both current and upcoming (even ignoring things like Starship), this seems by far the most likely - It seems like a lot of companies are willing to burn money trying to get in right now. I can't imagine NG wanting in on that.
<snip>This close and continued collaboration between the two companies is part of why I have a hard time imagining them still being separate in five years.