Author Topic: March 5, 2014 Hearing on National Security Space Launch Programs (Musk and Gass) (Read 137524 times)

bad_astra · « **Reply #40 on:** 03/05/2014 02:33 pm »

Musk: ULA should phase out the Atlas 5 and concentrate on Delta IV.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #41 on:** 03/05/2014 02:33 pm »

Musk saying ULA is a good track record, but the first Delta IV failed and another was partial.

ULA doesn't need both rocket families. They should phase out the Atlas V.

Should look at Delta IV and Falcon going forward.

mlindner · « **Reply #42 on:** 03/05/2014 02:36 pm »

Gass arguing from the past on why ELC (subsidy) is needed and claims its not a subsidy.

bad_astra · « **Reply #43 on:** 03/05/2014 02:37 pm »

Gass envies SpaceX's cargo contract?

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #44 on:** 03/05/2014 02:37 pm »

Gass fighting back!!

They don't get what they see as a subsidy. Then went off on a tangent it seems.

mlindner · « **Reply #45 on:** 03/05/2014 02:41 pm »

Gass questioning on what should be the qualification on when you stop accepting new companies into EELV. Claims there should be a limit.

AJW · « **Reply #46 on:** 03/05/2014 02:41 pm »

Did Gass really just ask how do you prevent competitors from coming in and wanting a piece of the market?

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #47 on:** 03/05/2014 02:43 pm »

Musk says when ULA formed as a merger of Boeing and LM, the costs doubled.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #48 on:** 03/05/2014 02:43 pm »

If our rockets are good enough for NASA, why aren't they good enough for USAF? - Musk.

mlindner · « **Reply #49 on:** 03/05/2014 02:45 pm »

I'm having a hard time telling whether Dr. Scott Pace is against competition or for it. He apparently just seems to want consistency across government.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #50 on:** 03/05/2014 02:46 pm »

Whoops. Costs on the rise chart:

M129K · « **Reply #51 on:** 03/05/2014 02:47 pm »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 03/05/2014 02:46 pm

Whoops. Costs on the rise chart:

Some real shots fired there.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #52 on:** 03/05/2014 02:48 pm »

USAF is working against competition, claim.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #53 on:** 03/05/2014 02:49 pm »

Musk says certification is going well and no red flags.

Punches ULA again over two years of engines and a five year contract.

Proponent · « **Reply #54 on:** 03/05/2014 02:50 pm »

Quote from: mlindner on 03/05/2014 02:45 pm

I'm having a hard time telling whether Dr. Scott Pace is against competition or for it. He apparently just seems to want consistency across government.

He keeps talking about how complicated it is to change things. Since change would hurt ULA and help SpaceX, I'd say he's effectively arguing for ULA. He also directly undercut Musk's argument that NASA's willingness to use Falcons should mean that the USAF should be happy with Falcon.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #55 on:** 03/05/2014 02:50 pm »

HA! Elon's face when Sen. Shelby started talking!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #56 on:** 03/05/2014 02:52 pm »

Shelby going after Elon. Saying SpaceX will have to comply with cost insight like ULA, which they apparently don't.

Elon says they do already to NASA.

US Gov does not buy launch insurance, so there's more mission assurance costs. 50 percent more cost than commercial missions. But still is much cheaper than ULA.

veblen · « **Reply #57 on:** 03/05/2014 02:53 pm »

Musk: It may be wise for the A.F. to re-consider buying AtlasV's in light of the current international situation (assurance of U.S. access to space).

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #58 on:** 03/05/2014 02:54 pm »

Anyone want to photoshop Gass and Musk in boxing gloves?

Or Altas V and F9 in boxing gloves - I'm thinking Rocky 4!

yg1968 · « **Reply #59 on:** 03/05/2014 02:55 pm »

Elon said that SpaceX's costs would be 50% more (i.e., $90M instead of $60M) for DOD flights because of the addditional overhead imposed by DOD.