Re: Lockmart CEV design released


"Pat Flannery" <flanner@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:117fgqodhl21k92@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
>
> Pat Flannery wrote:
>
> > It looks like an early Dyna-Soar concept with the Hermes orbital
> > module attached to the back, riding on a Centaur stage:
> > http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/space/1534782.html
>
> Actually it looks like this gizmo when seen from the top:
> http://www.arnold.af.mil/aedc/systems/60-933.jpg

That certainly looks like an early Dynasoar wind tunnel model. Scott
Lowther would no doubt be able to tell you more than I.

> According to the PM article it uses a whole-crew escape module, and the
> complete CEV spacecraft is assembled via two launches in LEO. Which
> sounds like a fairly complex and expensive way of doing things, probably
> forced by the weight of the winged (or whatever you call it- it's a
> lifting body with a bulge on the top) aerodynamic reentry vehicle.

No doubt the crew vehicle will be rather heavy. It looks like they
incorporated quite a bit into that module (fuel cells and the like). Kind
of like the current shuttle without the payload bay or main engines.
Payloads (mission modules and propulsion) go up on another launch, or
launches.

> Since
> the reentry vehicle parachutes to a land or sea landing with airbags
> under it, what exact advantages the lifting body shape gives you over a
> ballistic capsule design is a bit beyond me.

It is a bit of a stretch, is it not? My guess is that they can get better
hypersonic lift with that design than they think they could get out of a
capsule with similar internal volume.

> The upper aerodynamic
> component has extensible solar panels, so it also is apparently meant to
> operate independently when required (crew taxi?)

This certainly looks to be the case. As I said earlier, it looks like it
has similar systems to what you'd find on a space shuttle (for independent
flight), but without the payload bay and SSME's. It certainly looks like
its designed for independent, long duration, manned flight.

Jeff
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