Re: GRIFFIN'S DRIVE FOR SHUTTLE-DERIVED



Ed Kyle wrote:

That is a good argument for two launch pads, but isn't
it also a good argument for a mobile launcher system
that places the costly assembly building out of harm's
way to support a pair of relatively austere pads? If
you need two pads equipped to stack heavy SRB segments,
then you'll need a VAB-class bridge crane at each pad,
and a completely-enclosed mobile service structure that
stands 300-ish feet tall to protect the solid motor
segments from the weather (and especially lightning)
during the assembly process, and two closeout clean
rooms, etc.


SRBs can be fired in a horizontal position- can they be assembled in that position also? If that's the case, then the could be assembled - CEV and all - horizontally; then taken to the pad and erected prior to launch, much as is done with a Proton rocket:
http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/space_station/images/delay2.jpg
http://www.spacetoday.org/images/Rockets/Russia/Proton300thLaunchRolloutILS.jpg

Pat
.