From what I read the contracts have not even been awarded yet, but all the photos I see is a enlarged Apollo style capsule. Is that design final?
Zoomer30 - 18/4/2006 3:34 PMFrom what I read the contracts have not even been awarded yet, but all the photos I see is a enlarged Apollo style capsule. Is that design final?
The contract requirement is use the outer moldline shape of Apollo. This is to save money since it can use all the design, test and entry data from Apollo
that's why it is called "Apollo on steriods"
Hope they get better windows then the Apollo's did
They should put a shuttle style window array on one side (I know, very expensive)
Zoomer30 - 18/4/2006 4:08 PM
Hope they get better windows then the Apollo's did
They should put a shuttle style window array on one side (I know, very expensive)
And heavy too.
Mass is the ultimate thing we're always fighting for manned missions. Anything you can do to reduce the mass is good. Having heavy strengthened windows adds lots of mass so is probably never going to be a realistic option. But I can see improvements to visibility being added to the design as it evolves over its operational lifetime. What we're going to start flying is not likely to be the same vehicle we'll be flying five/ten years later. The designs will mature and evolve considerably as the program goes on.
Also, I'm not sure if ANYTHING is actually set in concrete for any part of the ESAS at this time. Only the outer shape and size of the CEV capsule has been set in stone by NASA already.
I think everything else from escape systems to launchers, to engines, to landers is still fairly 'fluid' at this point in time. Things are certainly coming into focus already, but its still a very "dynamic" situation.
Ross.
Two words:
Transparent Aluminum
