Re: Griffin Calls STS, ISS "Mistakes"

"Alex Terrell" <alexterrell@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1128684329.144280.74880@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Pete,
>
> Looking at your Spacevan, it would seem a good
> candidate for cheap, disposable drop tanks to
> increase the cargo weight.

What space van is this? Are you referring to Len's design?

> I assume you analysed these and came out against
> them?

I do not tend to favour disposable drop tanks. Generally speaking extra
light weight tankage hurts little and can help on reentry. If you are
going to dispose of them, leave them in LEO where they might be useful.

An idea that does intrigue me is a glide back lifting drop tank that
provides aerodynamic lift for an orbiter. The tankage is arrayed to
provide aerodynamic lift. Because the horizontal take off T/W need only
be around a half, a significant payload increase might be possible
compared to a vertical takeoff rocket without increasing engine
thrust/mass/cost. Though the engine would need to operate for longer,
and in both the lower atmosphere and vacuum.

Pete.


.

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