Re: Plutonium on Next Atlas V - Bad Idea?

Cardman <do-not@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in
news:7in1g1l1su1ahmf57738e249j6n5nhaeso@xxxxxxx:


> Sounds fair enough. Although should one of those SRBs fail, then I
> guess that the main engine could compensate.

Unlikely. A failure to ignite means the dead weight of propellant
and loss of energy will prevent the payload from achieving the
necessary escape velocity. Might not even make it into low
orbit. Those are pretty big solids and represent quite a bit
of energy, for a very high-energy mission.

A busted nozzle might not doom the flight, but it'd sure be
dicey. If the expended motor case fails to separate, see above
paragraph.

There ARE risks but they seem to be low enough to take
the chance, else we'd never get anything done.

Ed, you're showing signs of Bbo Hllrism. Are you feeling
well?

--Damon

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