ULA to Unveil America’s Next Generation Launch System - April 13, 2015

• #40 by Chris Bergin on 13 Apr, 2015 20:14
• Vulcan!

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• #41 by Prober on 13 Apr, 2015 20:14
• the new Vulcan rocket
  

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• #42 by AJA on 13 Apr, 2015 20:14
• That was a nice thing with the caps. EDIT: The other caps were the runners up in the naming contest, and he threw them out to the attendees.
  
  
  (Although it could be spun . Chris - is this an update only thread, or an all in one?)
• #43 by russianhalo117 on 13 Apr, 2015 20:15
• Launching from existing Atlas and Delta pads according to video
• #44 by Comga on 13 Apr, 2015 20:15
• Quote from: Chris Bergin on 13 Apr, 2015 20:08

  "Smart Reuse"
  Just like Jon Goff described in his blog lo these many years ago.....
• #45 by russianhalo117 on 13 Apr, 2015 20:16
• Q&A next
• #46 by Galactic Penguin SST on 13 Apr, 2015 20:17
• Quote from: russianhalo117 on 13 Apr, 2015 20:06

  US is ACES stage 1-4 engines Starting with RL-10s down select to XCOR with IVF and common avionics with standardized versions
  

  
  Nit: this is actually an optional choice - as guessed earlier the initial configurations will be with the existing Centaur.
• #47 by arachnitect on 13 Apr, 2015 20:19
• ACES in 2023
• #48 by russianhalo117 on 13 Apr, 2015 20:19
• How much does it cost and who is paying for it? ULA and Strategic Partners (ULA owners, Blue Origin and XCOR) paying for it.
• #49 by Prober on 13 Apr, 2015 20:20
• Q&A George S & (forgot name)
  

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• #50 by AJA on 13 Apr, 2015 20:20
• 
  This is probably already known, but documenting it for posterity.
  
  Funding for development is completely out of ULA's profits.
  Boeing and LM own ULA 50-50 - but ULA's an independent company. Boeing and LM are investing in the Vulcan, in the sense that they allow ULA to retain profits.
  
  
  He says they won't turn down help (from government or whoever)
  
  
  Didn't get whether Blue Origin is funding the engine itself
  EDIT:
  
  
  Pivots to the propriety of the name ACES, when asked about the time-frame (after a perfunctory answer saying it'll be there for 2023). Someone pointed out that it's the name for an ejection seat (as well as the ACES suit). (So, they might need a different name. The spin begins? )
• #51 by russianhalo117 on 13 Apr, 2015 20:21
• naming contest for ACES  US on table
• #52 by russianhalo117 on 13 Apr, 2015 20:23
• downgrading eventually to 2 pads one on each coast similar the the Titan ITL appraoch
• #53 by arachnitect on 13 Apr, 2015 20:24
• Did we get this slide yet?

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• #54 by russianhalo117 on 13 Apr, 2015 20:25
• Launch rate:20 a year is target
• #55 by russianhalo117 on 13 Apr, 2015 20:26
• ELC contract has no future plan at this time
• #56 by arachnitect on 13 Apr, 2015 20:27
• Bruno points out (in defense of ELC) that ULA shuffled manifest 11 times last year at no cost to government.
• #57 by arachnitect on 13 Apr, 2015 20:29
• Non USAF launches refund $17M per flight.
• #58 by AJA on 13 Apr, 2015 20:30
• Quote from: arachnitect on 13 Apr, 2015 20:27

  Bruno points out (in defense of ELC) that ULA shuffled manifest 11 times last year at no cost to government.
  

  
  I missed it, but was there a follow up? Did anyone ask how many of those were on account of LV issues, as opposed to payload issues, as well as force majeure circumstances?
• #59 by arachnitect on 13 Apr, 2015 20:30
• plan extensive pad modifications to support flexibility. Still won't say which pads they'll modify.