Which Atlas V configuration is this? 411? 412?
Here is a photo of a wind tunnel model. You can see two SRMs. I can't understand why ULA and NASA refuse to show the base of the aeroskirt. I doubt it is open, because hydrogen gas might accumulate, but since it extends down the side of the Centaur LH2 tank, I can't see how it could taper or close.It seems to me an unsettling design patch, late in the game. - Ed Kyle
Quote from: edkyle99 on 10/13/2016 03:45 pmHere is a photo of a wind tunnel model. You can see two SRMs. I can't understand why ULA and NASA refuse to show the base of the aeroskirt. I doubt it is open, because hydrogen gas might accumulate, but since it extends down the side of the Centaur LH2 tank, I can't see how it could taper or close.It seems to me an unsettling design patch, late in the game. - Ed KyleI wonder if there is a reverse taper upwards, as a stiffener, to the Centaur...
Quote from: Rocket Science on 10/13/2016 03:58 pmQuote from: edkyle99 on 10/13/2016 03:45 pmHere is a photo of a wind tunnel model. You can see two SRMs. I can't understand why ULA and NASA refuse to show the base of the aeroskirt. I doubt it is open, because hydrogen gas might accumulate, but since it extends down the side of the Centaur LH2 tank, I can't see how it could taper or close.It seems to me an unsettling design patch, late in the game. - Ed KyleI wonder if there is a reverse taper upwards, as a stiffener, to the Centaur...Maybe. It would have to connect to the Centaur forward skirt where the 500-series Centaur load reactor connects. There would also have to be provisions for Centaur venting, I think.It is going to separate after staging, kind of like a payload fairing. Another separation step added to the design. - Ed Kyle
New Boeing video, complete with the new skirt:https://twitter.com/BoeingDefense/status/786643807810879488
Quote from: edkyle99 on 10/13/2016 03:45 pmHere is a photo of a wind tunnel model. You can see two SRMs. I can't understand why ULA and NASA refuse to show the base of the aeroskirt. I doubt it is open, because hydrogen gas might accumulate, but since it extends down the side of the Centaur LH2 tank, I can't see how it could taper or close.It seems to me an unsettling design patch, late in the game. - Ed KyleThe first major delay of CST-100 (of roughly six months), as announced by Boeing last May, was mostly caused by the need to do this "design patch" and fix an overweight problem.And now, another slip of roughly six months because Boeing screwed up the lower dome of spacecraft number 2. Let's see, in the space of less than six months the first crewed mission of CST-100 has slipped almost a year.Ouch...Clearly, the Boeing way of doing things is not as beatific as some had claimed here.
Quote from: GWH on 10/13/2016 07:45 pmNew Boeing video, complete with the new skirt:https://twitter.com/BoeingDefense/status/786643807810879488Wow. Kudos to Boeing for ponying up for top-shelf animation.