Total Members Voted: 214
Voting closed: 06/08/2018 07:04 pm
Quote from: envy887 on 05/15/2018 05:19 pmULA haven't even picked an engine for ACES yet.https://www.ulalaunch.com/about/news/2018/05/11/united-launch-alliance-selects-aerojet-rocketdyne-s-rl10-engine-for-next-generation-vulcan-centaur-upper-stageQuote from: envy887 on 05/15/2018 05:19 pmSuch as?ACES equipment that has flown in one form or another:-the engine-the capsule-the payload adapter-the avionics-prototypes of the long duration cryogenics gearSLS equipment that has flown in one form or another:-The engine they aren't planning to use-The capsule (on an Atlas V rocket...)And this disparity is even more absurd when you consider this is comparing an entire superheavy rocket to just a second stage.
ULA haven't even picked an engine for ACES yet.
Such as?
Exactly nothing that you wrote is accurate. ACES is Centuar plus IVF, MLI, updated RCS, updated avionics, docking systems, and refueling systems. Just because Centaur is proven doesn't mean ACES is proven.
That link is for Centaur V which is not the same thing as ACES
Quote from: envy887 on 05/15/2018 10:08 pmExactly nothing that you wrote is accurate. ACES is Centuar plus IVF, MLI, updated RCS, updated avionics, docking systems, and refueling systems. Just because Centaur is proven doesn't mean ACES is proven.IVF: I specifically said prototype, which flew in 2015 IIRCRCS: Wasn't on my listDocking: Not on my listRefueling: Not on my listAnd then we arrive at avionics. ULA has already signed a contract with L3 to continue to supply avionics. This is the same company providing the same service that ULA already uses. While there will doubtlessly be future developments that is true of all space hardware, indeed, hardware in general. If you are going to claim that it hasn't flown if future modifications are made then not a single piece of hardware for SLS has flown. Zero, Nada Zilch.I will concede that you are completely right. ULA has not flown any ACES hardware. And NASA has exactly zero SLS hardware complete. I did not think such a high standard was called for but you have won me over completely. Henceforth I shall adhere to your rigorous standards and say that NASA has not only failed to fly a single piece of SLS hardware, they haven't even designed a single piece of SLS hardware. It's a damn high standard but it is consistent.Quote from: Markstark on 05/15/2018 09:23 pmThat link is for Centaur V which is not the same thing as ACESA valid point. They tend to blend together in my head but it is theoretically possible that they will change engines between the next Centaur and ACES.However I will note that there are only two contenders for the ACES engine and both of them have flown. So the ACES engine has done flight tests... even if we dont know when.
I doubt BFR will be anywhere near ready by the mid2020s, but NG and Vulcan both will be.
Quote from: mansourgh on 05/11/2018 04:21 pmI doubt BFR will be anywhere near ready by the mid2020s, but NG and Vulcan both will be. You really think that it will take ++7 years for SpaceX to develop the BFR? What is so special about it? IMO it is actually simpler than the FH.BE has no experience with orbital launches. What makes you think that they will be much faster compared to the BFR?
Quote from: mansourgh on 05/11/2018 04:21 pmI doubt BFR will be anywhere near ready by the mid2020s, but NG and Vulcan both will be. Financially, its a whole another story, right now only 20 engineers (LA port authority hearing) are working on the BFR, that would eventually scale up starting in 2019.
BO with New Glenn are already well on their way for a 2020 debut
...and that LV is more than capable for the current adminstration back to the Moon directive
...SLS existence depended largely on the Lunar gateway platform station, and now thats up for grabs to commercial launchers.
Bridenstine´s most recent comments are really interesting, first time he publically said that they might start moving away from SLS once new launchers are in the market. So 3 SLS flights are a solid bet now, Europa Clipper, EM1, EM2 crewed then unplug the cord on the program.
Elon himself estimated cost of developing this beast at 10b,