Re: DIY space transport

"Scott Lowther" <scottlowther@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:Vr%Be.1298$cg.497@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Joe Strout wrote:
>
> >In article <EdKBe.49099$oJ.23420@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
> > "Pete Lynn" <pete@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> >
>>> I would still have to say that I do not think there is a current
rocket
>>> engine within the right design range let alone a well developed one.
>>> This is not to say that current engines are not workable, just that
>>> no engine has really hit the spot yet. Specifically, a low cost,
>>> reliable, easy to use engine with high ISP and much higher T/W.
>>> While not necessary, such an engine would significantly ease the
>>> development of space transports. Such rocket engine metal
>>> bending is long overdue.

> >Is that not exactly what XCOR is doing?

> That's my understanding as well.

They have definitely made significant progress, however this is no small
task and will require multiple development streams. What kind of
performance, ( ISP and T/W), are they now reaching?

I note that with the similarly inspired SpaceX Merlin, (a very nice
engine by the look of it), ISP is still quite low, (~304 vacuum ISP).
For example, the lower stage alone does not seem SSTO capable - a wet
habitat module based on the Falcon V would require extra boosters.

I am hoping for low cost reliable hydrocarbon / LOX rocket engines with
vacuum ISP > 330 and T/W > 100. While this would required a significant
effort, I would think that it should be feasible. The rotary aerospike
was theoretically capable of much higher performance, but cost and
reliability? No one has yet managed to bring all the pieces together in
one engine, though they are making good progress, especially considering
how little resources are being devoted to this - which was my original
point.

Pete.


.

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