A human rated MCT needs a launch abort system.The LAS will probably eject the crew compartment only, not the big engines and fuel tanks. SoA mct\bfs will be built of two seperate parts - the propultion module and the utility module.The propultion module is practically the BFR's 2nd stage and the utility module will be mission specific.That's how I see it. Does it makes sence?
Maybe it's just me but I read this as Elon saying that the BFR/MCT (now called BFS) is a 2 part entity which I interpret as that stage 2 IS the BFS. A booster rocket (stage one with lots of engines) and a spaceship (stage 2).
Maybe it's just me but I read this as Elon saying that the BFR/MCT (now called BFS) is a 2 part entity which I interpret as that stage 2 IS the BFS. A booster rocket (stage one with lots of engines) and a spaceship (stage 2)."Well, there's two parts of it—there's a booster rocket and there's a spaceship. So the booster rocket's just to get it out of Earth's gravity because Earth has quite a deep gravity well and thick atmosphere, but the spaceship can go from Mars to Earth without any booster, because Mars's gravity is weaker and the atmosphere's thinner, so it's got enough capability to get all the way back here by itself. It needs a helping hand out of Earth's gravity well. So, technically, it would be the BFR and the BFS." As in "Big frakking Spaceship."http://www.gq.com/story/elon-musk-mars-spacex-tesla-interview?utm_source=10370This also pretty much says that the spaceship part needs to have the delta V capability for Mars surface to Earth (debatable Earth surface or LEO, maybe either). That means more than small couple hundred mT propellant tanks.Whether this is the best approach or the final architecture remains to be seen but it would be surprising to see a radical departure from this in the short term assuming there's a spring 2016 BFR/MCT information release.
It does not say whether the BFS is monolitic or modular.
It doesn't mention LEO refuel before mars injection and we know that from previos qoutes.
It does not say 'direct mars surface to earth' only 'from Mars to Earth without any booster' , so refuel in mars orbit is also an option.
Maybe it's just me but I read this as Elon saying that the BFR/MCT (now called BFS) is a 2 part entity which I interpret as that stage 2 IS the BFS. A booster rocket (stage one with lots of engines) and a spaceship (stage 2)."Well, there's two parts of it—there's a booster rocket and there's a spaceship. but the spaceship can go from Mars to Earth without any booster, because Mars's gravity is weaker and the atmosphere's thinner, so it's got enough capability to get all the way back here by itself. It needs a helping hand out of Earth's gravity well. So, technically, it would be the BFR and the BFS." As in "Big frakking Spaceship."
Point is that the only thing definitively ruled out by Musk statement as a single-stage-to-mars vehicle. Your interpreting every statement by Musk as total confirmation of your speculation but it's far from that.
Quote from: Impaler on 01/06/2016 09:55 pmPoint is that the only thing definitively ruled out by Musk statement as a single-stage-to-mars vehicle. Your interpreting every statement by Musk as total confirmation of your speculation but it's far from that.No, it is the other way around. I base my speculations on statements by SpaceX, you don't. Your concepts may be completely valid, I don't deny that. They are in conflict with SpaceX however.
Quote from: guckyfan on 01/07/2016 07:54 amQuote from: Impaler on 01/06/2016 09:55 pmPoint is that the only thing definitively ruled out by Musk statement as a single-stage-to-mars vehicle. Your interpreting every statement by Musk as total confirmation of your speculation but it's far from that.No, it is the other way around. I base my speculations on statements by SpaceX, you don't. Your concepts may be completely valid, I don't deny that. They are in conflict with SpaceX however.Sorry guckyfan, ISTM that you take even the slightest off-the-cuff statements and hyperbolic tweets that Musk makes as always being absolute literal truth, with no margin for error. IMO you take some things far too literally and as absolutisms.
How does the MCT escape module land on Mars w/o killing everyone as it slams into the regolith? Chutes ain't gonna git 'er done there.Just make your upper stage like an airliner, either it gets there or you have no more worries at tax time, ever.
How does the MCT escape module land on Mars w/o killing everyone as it slams into the regolith? Chutes ain't gonna git 'er done there....
Quote from: stoker5432 on 11/03/2015 02:45 amQuote from: oiorionsbelt on 11/03/2015 12:38 amQuote from: Robotbeat on 11/03/2015 12:14 amand you land on a prepared surface.Robotbeat, you have mentioned this 'prepared surface' in several posts. How this would be accomplished?NASA has some ideas so maybe SpaceX will get some advice from from them.http://www.nasa.gov/content/landing-pads-being-designed-for-extraterrestrial-missionsExactly, Dr. Phil is the guy I was thinking of.Here's some quotes from the article:"Robotic landers would go to a location on Mars and excavate a site, clearing rocks, leveling and grading an area and then stabilizing the regolith to withstand impact forces of the rocket plume," Mueller said. "Another option is to excavate down to bedrock to give a firm foundation. Fabric or other geo-textile material could also be used to stabilize the soil and ensure there is a good landing site."...""We've tested several types of materials and it seems that basalt regolith mixed with polymer binders hold up well," Metzger said."
Quote from: oiorionsbelt on 11/03/2015 12:38 amQuote from: Robotbeat on 11/03/2015 12:14 amand you land on a prepared surface.Robotbeat, you have mentioned this 'prepared surface' in several posts. How this would be accomplished?NASA has some ideas so maybe SpaceX will get some advice from from them.http://www.nasa.gov/content/landing-pads-being-designed-for-extraterrestrial-missions
Quote from: Robotbeat on 11/03/2015 12:14 amand you land on a prepared surface.Robotbeat, you have mentioned this 'prepared surface' in several posts. How this would be accomplished?
and you land on a prepared surface.
Sulfer concrete might be a good solution too.http://www.citylab.com/tech/2016/01/mars-build-house-concrete-sulfur-study/423288/?utm_source=yahoo
I wonder if it could be used for monolithic domes?https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monolithic_dome
...they will if you add a retro-rocket to them, like this...