Re: More info on Constellation/CEV

From: Tom Cuddihy (tom.cuddihy_at_gmail.com)
Date: 01/24/05 

Date: 24 Jan 2005 10:30:49 -0800

The fact is that 20 tons is not just convenient for Lockheed
Martin--it's convenient for NASA. Consider the alternative: a 25 ton or
greater weight CEV that can ONLY be lofted by Delta_IV H or an Atlas V
H (or Ariane V-->ha).
Instead, NASA finds itself with a requirement that can be met by Delta
IV, Atlas V, Sea Launch Zenit 3SL, or even a Falcon X (a hypothetical
Falcon rated at twice Falcon V). This is as close as you can get to
market 'sweet spot' in a miniscule market. Considering the alternative,
I think it's very fair minded.

I think you're overstating LockMart's lead. Considering none of the
rockets is truly man-rated at this point, and the first manned launch
is not even expected until the 2014 timeframe, the competition is still
plenty open.

Sure, 20 tons is a bit heavy considering the Apollo Cm was <6 metric
tons, and an unfueled Apollo CSM was around 12 metric tons. Then again,
it's purported capability in the design spiral 1 would require twice
the crew, and much more robust life support / docking / duration
/automation /etc.

It just seems reasonable to me.

Tom

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Aerospace Plane Build IT To Replace Shuttle
    ... 60,000 tons lifted per month. ... seeing NASA booklets we got on vacation from the late 80's about NASA ... asteroid bearing down on us within a few years to get our asses in ... and Tesla death ray weapons. ...
    (sci.space.shuttle)
  • Re: Someone to defend the Stick?
    ... and operational costs clocks reset. ... To launch 5 more metric ... It is interesting to note that ESA's ATV will weigh 20.7 tons on ... NASA, which goes to maintain the NASA jobs. ...
    (sci.space.policy)
  • Re: 10 meter diameter CaLV
    ... the other heavy lift /without/ the requirement of a moon mission. ... To answer that fully I would need more info on what NASA is planning. ... Most of the modules are only about 12.5 tons docking equipment ... No design needed the existing EELVs can handle it. ...
    (sci.space.policy)
  • Re: Someone to defend the Stick?
    ... So the stick isn't needed for LEO operations. ... The CEV could be somewhat heaver than 20 tons it seems. ... that is NASA upping the size, so that it is heaver than current EELV ... As the Falcon IX could have a reasonable flight data before the CEV is ...
    (sci.space.policy)
  • Re: How hard is it to land 4 on the moon?
    ... What is the minimum LEO launch capability needed, for a crew of 4, plus ... Transport them to lunar orbit ... my estimation is 100 tons: ... NASA proposed a 3 man lander for 14 tons 40 years ago. ...
    (sci.space.policy)