Re: More info on Constellation/CEV

From: Douglas Holmes (noholmesdgspam_at_verizon.net)
Date: 01/26/05 

Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 11:56:48 GMT

"Tom Cuddihy" <tom.cuddihy@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1106591449.809775.286580@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> 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.
While going for 20 tons opens some vehicle options
 Sea Launch and Falcon at this time are not among them.
Proton and Araine are right in the 20 ton range.
I do expect that Space X will move quickly to build such a rocket
once final mass numbers are set.

>
> 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.
>
The important number is the 12 ton not the 6 ton.
> It just seems reasonable to me.
>
> Tom
>

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