One of two SLS articles that we've been working via L2. Next one early next week.This one is mainly hardware, noting the Boeing SLS Pathfinder, MAF tooling and MAF "transition".http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/08/boeing-complete-sls-pathfinder-tank-maf-et-operations-end/
No Ed Kyle. There's the SLS Pathfinder LOX Tank. As much as you'd love Ares I to come back, this has been explained to you this is NOT Ares, this is for SLS, and was subscale for a reason.
There has GOT to be some way they can turn this into reality! Even though some higher-ups are resisting this, the SLS CAN be done with existing technology and know-how to acheive not a Battlestar/Ares V, but something sensible with a clear upgrade path. The next step is to see how to do all this without making the naysayers wildest cost estimates come true!
Quote from: Tim S on 08/27/2011 03:47 amNo Ed Kyle. There's the SLS Pathfinder LOX Tank. As much as you'd love Ares I to come back, this has been explained to you this is NOT Ares, this is for SLS, and was subscale for a reason.NASA can call it whatever it wants to call it, but its real origin is quite clear. It is 5.5 meters diameter, its plans and tooling having previously been devised for Ares I. If it was a real SLS pathfinder tank, it would be 8.4 meters or whatever diameter. Unless SLS is being shrunk down to 5.5 meters? - Ed Kyle
Quote from: edkyle99 on 08/27/2011 04:08 amQuote from: Tim S on 08/27/2011 03:47 amNo Ed Kyle. There's the SLS Pathfinder LOX Tank. As much as you'd love Ares I to come back, this has been explained to you this is NOT Ares, this is for SLS, and was subscale for a reason.NASA can call it whatever it wants to call it, but its real origin is quite clear. It is 5.5 meters diameter, its plans and tooling having previously been devised for Ares I. If it was a real SLS pathfinder tank, it would be 8.4 meters or whatever diameter. Unless SLS is being shrunk down to 5.5 meters? - Ed KyleNo, I think they were just saving money by using what was 'lying around', Ed. The next pathfinder tank should be 8.4m, unless the upper stage decision ends up being a clear derivative of the Ares 1 upper stage; perhaps lengthened slightly for more propellant for SLS' EDS duties.
Thanks Chris for showing that NASA is actually spending SLS funds on SLS tasks.