ULA has likely determined that that amount is less than the cost of switching over to 100% Delta 4.
Judging by phrases like this...
“While the RD-180 has been a remarkable success, we believe now is the right time for American investment in a domestic engine,” said Gass “At the same time, given that ULA is the only certified launch provider of our nation’s most important satellites, it is critical that America preserve current capabilities and options while simultaneously pursuing this new engine.”
...it looks more like ULA hopes "America" will step in at some point and fund it.
Judging by phrases like this...
“While the RD-180 has been a remarkable success, we believe now is the right time for American investment in a domestic engine,” said Gass “At the same time, given that ULA is the only certified launch provider of our nation’s most important satellites, it is critical that America preserve current capabilities and options while simultaneously pursuing this new engine.”
...it looks more like ULA hopes "America" will step in at some point and fund it.
My take is that Gass, after blasting SpaceX for their meddling in the RD-180 issue, has decided to be a good manager and start covering his behind.
ULA has likely determined that that amount is less than the cost of switching over to 100% Delta 4.
Judging by phrases like this...
“While the RD-180 has been a remarkable success, we believe now is the right time for American investment in a domestic engine,” said Gass “At the same time, given that ULA is the only certified launch provider of our nation’s most important satellites, it is critical that America preserve current capabilities and options while simultaneously pursuing this new engine.”
...it looks more like ULA hopes "America" will step in at some point and fund it.
I read the presser a few times and I draw similar conclusions. I would be surprised if ULA is putting their own money in this, I expect they are going to make a play for the funding that was mooted for a new engine and further, make a play to be the administrators of the competition.
But it's too early to tell.
I read the presser a few times and I draw similar conclusions. I would be surprised if ULA is putting their own money in this, I expect they are going to make a play for the funding that was mooted for a new engine and further, make a play to be the administrators of the competition.
I think this is putting in small money right now to line get the ducks up in a row nice and tidy, so when the big faucet of cash will be opened they'll be nicely aligned on the receiving end.
I.e they do have to do their own legwork investigating the options and possibilities to actually understand whats viable in what timeframes and so on, and that is money well spent.
Also, PR value.
Here, for example, we see ULA making a decision to spend its own money on propulsion R&D for Atlas 5.
- Ed Kyle
For the benefit of retaining both Atlas and Delta in the fleet and not eliminating SLS?
Surely you know that United Launch Alliance and the EELVs have nothing to do with Space Launch System?
- Ed Kyle
So, in theory and reality there is no linkage between ULA and SLS? Can I add SpaceX and Orbital in here?
In summary ULA, Orbital and SpaceX have absolutely no linkage whatsoever with SLS and its eventual outcome.
Yeah ok.
So, in theory and reality there is no linkage between ULA and SLS? Can I add SpaceX and Orbital in here?
In summary ULA, Orbital and SpaceX have absolutely no linkage whatsoever with SLS and its eventual outcome.
Yeah ok.
The companies have no linkage, projects are a different thing.
ULA has likely determined that that amount is less than the cost of switching over to 100% Delta 4.
Judging by phrases like this...
“While the RD-180 has been a remarkable success, we believe now is the right time for American investment in a domestic engine,” said Gass “At the same time, given that ULA is the only certified launch provider of our nation’s most important satellites, it is critical that America preserve current capabilities and options while simultaneously pursuing this new engine.”
...it looks more like ULA hopes "America" will step in at some point and fund it.
I read the presser a few times and I draw similar conclusions. I would be surprised if ULA is putting their own money in this, I expect they are going to make a play for the funding that was mooted for a new engine and further, make a play to be the administrators of the competition.
But it's too early to tell.
They'll want the government pay for this. If history is any guide, they'll get the government to pay for this.
My wonder is what happens to Atlas staff if they run out of engines next year. Will they continue to build boosters that won't be usable for four to six years? Will most of the staff be laid off, with only the managers and key staffers remaining to restart production when the engines are ready? Will the government have to pay for a program on life support?
If the government refuses to pay these bills, don't be surprised if this whole scheme evaporates. Lockheed and Boeing will do anything if government's paying, they're not so keen to spend their own hard earned.
My wonder is what happens to Atlas staff if they run out of engines next year. Will they continue to build boosters that won't be usable for four to six years? Will most of the staff be laid off, with only the managers and key staffers remaining to restart production when the engines are ready? Will the government have to pay for a program on life support?
They aren't running out of engines.
Locked for review. Too much politics and attempts to add SLS off topic comments.