Wel i think it would be that, however you never know they might have something in the background like a FH look alike, you know a couple of F9's laid out to look like a FH
Is it certain that the strap ons will be jettisoned? Or will the three cores operate together as a single stage like Rus M? (Of course the cores might be separated after staging to allow for single recovery if this proves worthwhile.)
BTW, one other thing they could propose is "Falcon 45" or "Falcon Very Heavy" - 5 cores. The projected outline in the video matches :-)
I don't think that this outline would match a 5 core version. The outlines would likely overlap instead of having a gap of free space between the cores. But I suppose it is possible as you see it.
I don't know, I only counted 9 engines, not 27
If the center core can throttle down without losing too much Isp, or if they install 5 engines on it, the payload is going to grow significantly.
Can anyone shed any light on this?
From zaitcev:QuoteIf the center core can throttle down without losing too much Isp, or if they install 5 engines on it, the payload is going to grow significantly.What interests me here is how much payload gain there is compared with a non-separating core version. The centre core can be throttled down by shutting down engines, but restarting them to bring the thrust up after core separation (like Delta IVH) would certainly complicate things. Alternatively the current first stage Merlin engines could of course be made throttleable. I can't find any indication on SpaceX's web site how they intend to operate the vehicle. By keeping the cores together until staging they would reduce the separation events needed to ensure mission success by one (or maybe two, depending how you look at it). Against this is the performance loss. I don't know how much that would be.Can anyone shed any light on this?
...Any ideas on altitude of/velocity of FH strap ons when they are "jettisoned?
So 5 engines right?Name 'm.
If they only put 5 engines on the core stage, wouldn't that add to the cost since it would decrease commonality in processing and development for the cores and add complexity?
A lot waits on tomorrow's big unveil. I'm wondering if the core will be longer than the outriggers. That way, it burns longer without needing to work out how to make Merlin-1d throttle.