Quote from: AnalogMan on 04/12/2014 09:21 pmAvionics System for SLS Boosters Gets 'Boost' of Its Own on Path to SpaceApril 10, 2014Image Caption:Early-Stage SLS Booster SeparationArtist concept of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) solid rocket boosters firing their separation rockets and pushing away from the core stage, which continues toward space with the Orion spacecraft.(Note: artist concept current as of April 10, 2014)Image credit: NASA/MSFCWow, are the booster separation motors really going to impinge directly on the core like the illustration shows? They certainly didn't do that to the Shuttle's ET.
Avionics System for SLS Boosters Gets 'Boost' of Its Own on Path to SpaceApril 10, 2014Image Caption:Early-Stage SLS Booster SeparationArtist concept of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) solid rocket boosters firing their separation rockets and pushing away from the core stage, which continues toward space with the Orion spacecraft.(Note: artist concept current as of April 10, 2014)Image credit: NASA/MSFC
Quote from: clongton on 04/12/2014 06:23 pmQuote from: Steven Pietrobon on 04/12/2014 09:55 amI thought this was interesting:"As future missions are defined for the 130-metric-ton vehicle -- the largest configuration planned -- NASA will consider various engine options that are the best value and design."I wonder if that will include a six-engined core, the only configuration I know that will get 130 t using the existing RSRMV boosters.Doubt it. That would make it a completely different launch vehicle and take several years to develop.I don't see how they could conceivably switch to any other core engine without a complete redesign. And what would the basis for such a decision be? "We need to find a way to delay actual SLS missions for ten more years. Hey I know, let's find some 'cheaper' engines to, ya know, save money."
Quote from: Steven Pietrobon on 04/12/2014 09:55 amI thought this was interesting:"As future missions are defined for the 130-metric-ton vehicle -- the largest configuration planned -- NASA will consider various engine options that are the best value and design."I wonder if that will include a six-engined core, the only configuration I know that will get 130 t using the existing RSRMV boosters.Doubt it. That would make it a completely different launch vehicle and take several years to develop.
I thought this was interesting:"As future missions are defined for the 130-metric-ton vehicle -- the largest configuration planned -- NASA will consider various engine options that are the best value and design."I wonder if that will include a six-engined core, the only configuration I know that will get 130 t using the existing RSRMV boosters.
Quote from: Mark S on 04/14/2014 05:04 pmQuote from: AnalogMan on 04/12/2014 09:21 pmAvionics System for SLS Boosters Gets 'Boost' of Its Own on Path to SpaceApril 10, 2014Image Caption:Early-Stage SLS Booster SeparationArtist concept of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) solid rocket boosters firing their separation rockets and pushing away from the core stage, which continues toward space with the Orion spacecraft.(Note: artist concept current as of April 10, 2014)Image credit: NASA/MSFCWow, are the booster separation motors really going to impinge directly on the core like the illustration shows? They certainly didn't do that to the Shuttle's ET.The BSMs did char the tank, and catch the orbiter a little bit also. But you're right, they didn't point directly into the tank - they had to push away from the wings.
Dan Dumbacher, NASA’s deputy associate administrator for exploration systems development, will leave the agency effective July 1, a NASA spokesman confirmed April 21.
http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/structural-test-stands.html#.U2lYjHrD8m8Test Stand construction at MSFC to begin May.
Video of the LN2 cryogenic tests on the RS-25 test stand.
8.5 million contract awarded to drydock the barge Pegasus and refit it for SLS. As well as maintenance and refurbishment the barge will be lengthened from 260 to 310 feet.
Wonder whether SpaceX had any thoughts about a joint funding to make Pegasus big enough to carry one core of their BFR. Then SpaceX and NASA could cost share transportation of both HLV cores from site of manufacture to launch area.
Quote from: TomH on 05/20/2014 05:00 pmWonder whether SpaceX had any thoughts about a joint funding to make Pegasus big enough to carry one core of their BFR. Then SpaceX and NASA could cost share transportation of both HLV cores from site of manufacture to launch area.Paying for modifications to a ship for an undefined rocket from an undefined factory to an undefined launch site in an undefined timeframe?
Tom, i know this is probably off topic but it is probably a better play for SpaceX to simply let NASA do the work then sign a lease agreement for use of the rarely used barge.