Re: It's In-Line (Shuttle Derived)


"Will McLean" <mclean1382@xxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1119636379.221875.273890@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
>
> Ed Kyle wrote:
> > At least according to Keith Cowing at
> > "http://www.nasawatch.com/";
> >
> > "SDLV Finalist
> >
> > Editor's note: Word has it that Mike Griffin's team has
> > more or less settled on a 120 metric tonne payload,
> > in-line, Shuttle-derived Heavy Launch System."
> > (6/23/05)
> >
> > 120 tonnes, if correct, implies something more powerful
> > than the standard two-SRB in-line concepts that have
> > floated around for so many years. It means five-segment
> > SRBs at least. It means no RS-68s. It means at least
> > four SSMEs with maybe a fifth thrown in as an upper stage
> > engine. It means that this thing will be an
> > all-expendable launcher that will have near-Saturn V
> > lifting ability.
> >
> > - Ed Kyle
>
> Why all expendable? Couldn't it use a recoverable propulsion/avionics
> pod?


The recovery system would cost more than it'd be worth.



.