Instead of Ares V...

Delta V - consists of four Delta IV CBCs and a New Core Stage which would be
the same length as the CBC but 7.1m diameter and with two RS-68 engines -
equal in thrust to 2 D-IV Heavies, but lighter and therefore with greater
payload.

Payload would be about 55,000kg (only one payload fairing for instance,
which adds to payload). Sure, this doesn't get the Orion to the Moon, but
it would be much less expensive than the Ares V - not only does it use
existing Delta IV components with the exception of the NCS structure and
would also have greater utility (could be used for other programs).

It would also be less expensive than the Ares V as the CBC's and RS-68's are
stock-standard; the Ares V RS-68's are regen-cooled (major modification,
making the engine more expensive). Using stock-standard components would
also make the Delta IV less expensive as production quantities would be
greater.


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Relevant Pages

  • Re: We, loosers??
    ... Most of the infrastructure already exists - using the Delta IV as the basis ... for a launch vehicle (would need a payload of about 50 tonnes to LEO - check ... fifth for return propellant (one of the first concepts for a Moon ... mission in the late '50's/early '60's was called LSR - Lunar Surface ...
    (sci.space.history)
  • Re: SpaceX Upgrades
    ... thats almost a 50% increase in payload. ... It's closer to Delta II-H performance than Delta IV performance. ... Delta II-H can do roughly 6 metric tons to LEO ... Delta IV Medium is roughly 6 tons LEO, 4 tons GTO. ...
    (sci.space.policy)
  • Re: Three Launchers Return to Flight
    ... > Ed Kyle wrote: ... >> fuel load to reach the target orbit. ... maximum payload. ... if Delta IVH can lift 6 ton GSO ...
    (sci.space.policy)
  • Re: Delta IV Heavy: Heavy Enough for Mars
    ... Delta IV Heavy's payload is rated at about 50,000 lbs ... roughly a fifth the payload of a Saturn V. ... Future variants of the Delta IV Heavy could eventually ...
    (sci.space.policy)