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#40
by
georgesowers
on 21 Sep, 2014 02:08
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Is a modified/new upper stage part of the current trade studies?
Of course. But to the rule of wing walking, we may do it a stage a a time.
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#41
by
georgesowers
on 21 Sep, 2014 02:23
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Is ULA planning continued use of the Atlas V solids with its new launch vehicle?
Yes.
It is clear to us that the versatility afforded by differing SRM configurations is a benefit to our customers.
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#42
by
georgesowers
on 21 Sep, 2014 02:30
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Can you give a status update for ULA's Integrated Vehicle Fluids program?
IVF is a very exciting technology we continue to pursue. In addition to our internal R&D, we have NASA funding and are racking up lots of time on the IC engine that's the heart of the system. It integral to our ACES design.
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#43
by
georgesowers
on 21 Sep, 2014 02:39
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Thank you for answering questions Dr. Sowers.
You may not be able to share much about it, but I'd be very interested to hear anything you can say about the evolution of ULA launch vehicles that will be using this engine. Is this the beginning of a common launch vehicle family?
Congratulations on starting a new program and good luck as well working with Boeing on CCtCap.
As I said earlier, our vehicle plan will be revealed later in the year. Overall we intend to offer more capability for less money at the same (world's best) reliability.
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#44
by
georgesowers
on 21 Sep, 2014 02:41
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Will the switch to BE-4 methane engines enable later versions of Atlas to be reusable?
Maybe
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#45
by
georgesowers
on 21 Sep, 2014 02:49
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What kind of various flight configurations will the new LV feature?
The genius of the EELV program was the creation of families of vehicles that address a wide spectrum of requirements. We intend to maintain that philosophy.
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#46
by
georgesowers
on 21 Sep, 2014 02:52
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Will the redesigned Launch Vehicle(s) be known by a new name, other than Atlas 5?
Ha! I'm anticipating a very emotional debate on naming. Suggestions welcome. I kind of liked DAVE...
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#47
by
georgesowers
on 21 Sep, 2014 02:57
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What potential synergies, if any, do you see between the Blue Origin/ULA partnership decision and other programs, such as DARPA XS-1? Does this decision better position BO/ULA as a more attractive prospect in relation to, or even to potentially take the lead in any other potential programs?
No direct connection to XS-1. But like I said earlier, this is just the beginning for the Blue/ULA partnership.
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#48
by
rayleighscatter
on 21 Sep, 2014 02:59
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Is the new vehicle planned to have its own new pad or will an existing ULA pad be modified for it?
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#49
by
georgesowers
on 21 Sep, 2014 03:00
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Are you planning on the same payload to GTO as Atlas or larger?
Larger. More capability for lower cost.
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#50
by
georgesowers
on 21 Sep, 2014 03:08
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Will ULA also use the Blue Origin BE-3 engine for the upper stage, or will there be an open competition for the upper stage engine?
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We are excited about the BE-3 which is completing certification as we speak. But we have a lot of upper stage engine options including XCOR and RL-10. An embarrasement of riches.
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#51
by
georgesowers
on 21 Sep, 2014 03:10
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Thanks for doing this!
What are the expected pad modifications required to support this new family of launch vehicles?
Obviously, we have to add LNG fueling capability to our pads. Other than that, not much.
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#52
by
Nindalf
on 21 Sep, 2014 03:47
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The genius of the EELV program was the creation of families of vehicles that address a wide spectrum of requirements. We intend to maintain that philosophy.
So is the idea that in this next generation of vehicles, one vehicle family will still belong more to Boeing, and one to Lockheed Martin, particularly when it comes to selling services to non-USG customers?
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#53
by
M_Puckett
on 21 Sep, 2014 03:54
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Could this new vehicle ultimately lead to a consolidation of the lines?
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#54
by
Darkseraph
on 21 Sep, 2014 04:28
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Will this be a tap-off cycle engine like the BE-3?
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#55
by
TrevorMonty
on 21 Sep, 2014 06:12
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Sorry about the Blue Origin acronym, wasn't done intentionally, edited where possible.
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#56
by
DJPledger
on 21 Sep, 2014 06:57
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Will this be a tap-off cycle engine like the BE-3?
No, BE-4 will be ORSC.
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#57
by
strangequark
on 21 Sep, 2014 07:37
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Do you have any insight that you can share into the trades that led to the choice of oxidizer rich versus fuel rich staged combustion for the BE-4?
As for names, I humbly submit Zeus. He was the successor to Atlas, and the other Titans. In addition, he was the god of thunder; essentially the Greek version of Thor. A bit roundabout, but hopefully a decent homage to the lineage of your current lineup.
Just to reiterate, thank you so much for contributing your time in answering all of our questions.
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#58
by
Zed_Noir
on 21 Sep, 2014 07:45
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So where will the production line of the new launch vehicle be located if it's been decided?
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#59
by
Nick Simeonoff
on 21 Sep, 2014 07:49
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What is the targeted specific impulse of BE-4?