http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/10/sls-trades-opening-four-rs-25s-core-stage/At least two more articles to come on SLS hardware. Starting to feel like the "good old days" of shuttle processing level of content to write up in L2.
the automatic need for the core to be “stretched” – based on the five segment boosters on the configuration
Quotethe automatic need for the core to be “stretched” – based on the five segment boosters on the configurationDidn't DIRECT have some configurations that were Heavy (meaning 5-seg) but not Stretched?
How much clearance will there be between the top of the Block II and the ceiling of the VAB?
Noting they are trading (I feel like I have to keep saying that) the Block II shown on the presentation has a 3xJ-2X Upper Stage, with the CPS on orbit stage on top inside the fairing.
Good question. And by how much will the stretched core stage clear the MAF doors? -Alex
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Space Launch System developed pursuant to subsection (b) shall be designed to have, at a minimum, the following:(A) The initial capability of the core elements, without an upper stage, of lifting payloads weighing between 70 tons and 100 tons into low-Earth orbit...(B) The capability to carry an integrated upper Earth departure stage bringing the total lift capability of the Space Launch System to 130 tons or more.
Quote from: Chris Bergin on 10/05/2011 04:39 amNoting they are trading (I feel like I have to keep saying that) the Block II shown on the presentation has a 3xJ-2X Upper Stage, with the CPS on orbit stage on top inside the fairing.So the full-up SLS-Block II is actually a 3 stage rocket plus boosters? Am I reading this right?
Given CPS doesn't burn during ascent, I don't believe it's a true third stage. That makes SLS a LEO-only vehicle, but CPS can be optimised for longer loiter. For instance, refer Mars DRA 5 for CPS's heritage as a modified AVUS (but using RL-10s instead of J-2X in order to provide the required Isp).
I wonder what will the crew configuration look like after Block 1?What kind of upper stage will it have?
Quote from: Chris Bergin on 10/05/2011 04:39 amNoting they are trading (I feel like I have to keep saying that) the Block II shown on the presentation has a 3xJ-2X Upper Stage, with the CPS on orbit stage on top inside the fairing.Broken record, but I still wonder how this really meets the requirements of PL 111-267:-Quote(1) IN GENERAL.—The Space Launch System developed pursuant to subsection (b) shall be designed to have, at a minimum, the following:(A) The initial capability of the core elements, without an upper stage, of lifting payloads weighing between 70 tons and 100 tons into low-Earth orbit...(B) The capability to carry an integrated upper Earth departure stage bringing the total lift capability of the Space Launch System to 130 tons or more....given that the upper & EDS functions are separated into two different stages rather than integrated.cheers, Martin
How does a separate CPS fit in the PL 111-267? It is nowhere to be found, and the SLS therein requires "an integrated upper Earth departure stage", not a dedicated second stage and a dedicated in-space stage. Especially when the funds for CPS are to be taken from the SLS budget, and when CPS is being set up as a completely separate project from SLS. Sounds like illegal diversion of funds to me.
Unless this approach is reversed, I don't see how SLS will be able to fit within the given budget. Sigh.