Quote from: simonbp on 11/18/2009 12:00 amQuote from: robertross on 11/16/2009 10:30 pmJupiter: Shuttle 8.4m external tank (with modifications), Shuttle SSMEs, Shuttle 4-segment SRBs.That's a tad bid deceptive. The Direct core stage is 8.4m, and could be built with SWLT toolings, but it is really a new stage with completely new load paths. In comparison, the Sidemount HLV literally uses a Shuttle external tank.Ross says that this isn't actually possible, sidemount has 2x loads or more, and thus the tank will need to be redesigned for it too.
Quote from: robertross on 11/16/2009 10:30 pmJupiter: Shuttle 8.4m external tank (with modifications), Shuttle SSMEs, Shuttle 4-segment SRBs.That's a tad bid deceptive. The Direct core stage is 8.4m, and could be built with SWLT toolings, but it is really a new stage with completely new load paths. In comparison, the Sidemount HLV literally uses a Shuttle external tank.
Jupiter: Shuttle 8.4m external tank (with modifications), Shuttle SSMEs, Shuttle 4-segment SRBs.
Quote from: gospacex on 11/18/2009 05:04 pmQuote from: simonbp on 11/18/2009 12:00 amQuote from: robertross on 11/16/2009 10:30 pmJupiter: Shuttle 8.4m external tank (with modifications), Shuttle SSMEs, Shuttle 4-segment SRBs.That's a tad bid deceptive. The Direct core stage is 8.4m, and could be built with SWLT toolings, but it is really a new stage with completely new load paths. In comparison, the Sidemount HLV literally uses a Shuttle external tank.Ross says that this isn't actually possible, sidemount has 2x loads or more, and thus the tank will need to be redesigned for it too.I think that's specific to the SD-HLV being proposed. If you want something that can be swapped out for the orbiter without redesigning anything else, it will probably look like Shuttle-C, which is basically a wingless, TPS-less, unmanned expendable Orbiter (extra payload comes from what's left off).
There is no need to enclose the whole EDS in a fairing. It could serve as its own fairing, with the payload on top in a real fairing. There is no need to talk fairing diameters again.And there is no need to repeat points for DIRECT ad infinitum. It has advantages and disadvantages, like any other solution has.Analyst