Dr. Sowers, thank you for taking the time. Hope things are progressing well.One question, the current engine compartment (boat tail?) is a smaller diameter than the current Atlas V tanks (but I think the same diameter as the prior Atlas III tanks), will the new vehicle (Does it have an official name?) use a similar design and be able to use the exist mobile launch platform and VIF without modification (even if larger, say 5m tanks are used)?Again, thank you
Is ULA's intention to create a common booster core that would serve, or replace, both Atlas and Delta? - Ed Kyle
Will the composite tankage presently being tested for SLS by Boeing and NASA be used on a rocket based upon the ULA/Blue Origin engines?
Blue Origin are planning their own RLV based on BE4. Will they fly it from ULA launch facilities?PS congratulations on ULA's new exciting future.
How throtteable will be the BE-4 on the new Atlas X ?
Will the next generation ULA launch vehicle also get a new upper stage or a RL-10 replacement?
How are you planning to handle this new vehicle re: ground systems with the minimum amount of disruption to the existing Atlas V pads at VAFB and CCAFS? I'm thinking in terms of schedule impacts.
Will the new launch vehicle be reusable, or designed with reusability in mind?Thank you!
The USAF recently issued a RFI looking for a replacement engine for the RD-180. The RFI calls for "a replacement engine with similar performance characteristics to currently used engines, alternative configurations that would provide similar performance (such as a multiple engine configuration) to existing EELV-class systems, and use of alternative launch vehicles for EELV-class systems." What do you see as the potential impact of this RFI and possibly RFP for ULA and your recent announcement with Blue Origin? The AF may be looking at a national engine/rocket competition that includes Blue Origin but also SpaceX and wants the new engine to be available commercial to any of the US rocket builders.
See if I can squeeze this in...Will this engine be baselined for Boeing's Commercial Crew Contracts?
How does this work integrates with the Common Upper Stage and IVF? Does BE-3 is a possible option for it or you're thinking more of EELV/CUS and then BE-4 boosters/CUS and then a possible BE-4 Boosters / New Upper Stage? A sort of Tick-tock strategy.
Is the new vehicle planned to have its own new pad or will an existing ULA pad be modified for it?
Quote from: georgesowers on 09/21/2014 02:49 amThe genius of the EELV program was the creation of families of vehicles that address a wide spectrum of requirements. We intend to maintain that philosophy.So is the idea that in this next generation of vehicles, one vehicle family will still belong more to Boeing, and one to Lockheed Martin, particularly when it comes to selling services to non-USG customers?
The genius of the EELV program was the creation of families of vehicles that address a wide spectrum of requirements. We intend to maintain that philosophy.
Do you have any insight that you can share into the trades that led to the choice of oxidizer rich versus fuel rich staged combustion for the BE-4?As for names, I humbly submit Zeus. He was the successor to Atlas, and the other Titans. In addition, he was the god of thunder; essentially the Greek version of Thor. A bit roundabout, but hopefully a decent homage to the lineage of your current lineup.Just to reiterate, thank you so much for contributing your time in answering all of our questions.