The SLS (Space Launch System ) is destined to become the new NASA rocket. After removal of the space shuttle this year, the SLS-also called HLV (Heavy- Launch Vehicle) - is the only pitcher operated by the U.S. space agency. That if finally approved. The initial design envisaged a rocket with a capability in low Earth orbit (LEO) of 70-130 tons to be ready by 2016 according to the NASA Authorization Act 2010. All too complex and expensive for the taste of the country's political class.
Initial design SLS (NASA).
So NASA has decided to review the project and recently we learned the final design will emerge from among three candidates. The first, called RAC-1 by the working group that studies (RAC comes Requirements Cycle Analysis) is very similar to what we have seen so far. RAC-1 would be a rocket with a cryogenic core stage, which uses liquid hydrogen and oxygen (LH2/LOX) - RS-68 engine or SSME ( shuttle motors ). Around this central stage would install two solid-fuel rockets (SRB) or liquid (LRB).
But the novelty lies the second candidate, RAC-2. This first stage used kerosene and LOX plus a second cryogenic stage. In short, a design reminiscent of the Saturn V moon rocket . Another design team, RAC-3, is studying strange configurations that use multiple sets of EELV rocket stages as the Atlas or the Falcon 9.
RAC-2 option would be similar to the Saturn V (NASA).
One proposal for SLS should use an engine similar to F-1 of the Saturn V (NASA).
Despite the novelty of RAC-2 and RAC-3, RAC-1 configuration remains the favorite, as it would maximize the infrastructure and technologies shuttle. To save money, NASA now considered first develop a more modest version of this launcher, Block 0 , it would use the same engine SSME and SRB of the shuttle and have a low-orbit capacity of 70 tons. The strange thing is that this version is virtually identical to the proposal Jupiter 130 initiative DIRECT.
Jupiter 130 is very similar to RAC-1 design of the SLS (directlauncher.com)
This version could be ready for 2014. After three test flights, could send the Orion spacecraft and / or commercial vehicles to the ISS in 2016. If money permits, the Block 0 version would move to Block 1, with a capacity of 100 tons. Block 1 would have five-segment SRB (similar to the Ares I rocket disappeared) and five SSME. Over time could be made versions Block 2 and Block 3. Block 2 would have a capacity of 130 tons and would have a second cryogenic stage with three (!) J-2X engine or a modified SSME. Block 3 would have a large center stage and could put in orbit up to 150 tons.
As we see the drama of the SLS, far from abating, every day becomes more strange. In any case, even assuming that the SLS is finally approved, will the NASA money to seek a profit?
Initial design SLS (NASA).
So NASA has decided to review the project and recently we learned the final design will emerge from among three candidates. The first, called RAC-1 by the working group that studies (RAC comes Requirements Cycle Analysis) is very similar to what we have seen so far. RAC-1 would be a rocket with a cryogenic core stage, which uses liquid hydrogen and oxygen (LH2/LOX) - RS-68 engine or SSME ( shuttle motors ). Around this central stage would install two solid-fuel rockets (SRB) or liquid (LRB).
But the novelty lies the second candidate, RAC-2. This first stage used kerosene and LOX plus a second cryogenic stage. In short, a design reminiscent of the Saturn V moon rocket . Another design team, RAC-3, is studying strange configurations that use multiple sets of EELV rocket stages as the Atlas or the Falcon 9.
RAC-2 option would be similar to the Saturn V (NASA).
One proposal for SLS should use an engine similar to F-1 of the Saturn V (NASA).
Despite the novelty of RAC-2 and RAC-3, RAC-1 configuration remains the favorite, as it would maximize the infrastructure and technologies shuttle. To save money, NASA now considered first develop a more modest version of this launcher, Block 0 , it would use the same engine SSME and SRB of the shuttle and have a low-orbit capacity of 70 tons. The strange thing is that this version is virtually identical to the proposal Jupiter 130 initiative DIRECT.
Jupiter 130 is very similar to RAC-1 design of the SLS (directlauncher.com)
This version could be ready for 2014. After three test flights, could send the Orion spacecraft and / or commercial vehicles to the ISS in 2016. If money permits, the Block 0 version would move to Block 1, with a capacity of 100 tons. Block 1 would have five-segment SRB (similar to the Ares I rocket disappeared) and five SSME. Over time could be made versions Block 2 and Block 3. Block 2 would have a capacity of 130 tons and would have a second cryogenic stage with three (!) J-2X engine or a modified SSME. Block 3 would have a large center stage and could put in orbit up to 150 tons.
As we see the drama of the SLS, far from abating, every day becomes more strange. In any case, even assuming that the SLS is finally approved, will the NASA money to seek a profit?
0 comments:
Post a Comment