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Old May 22nd 19, 03:21 AM posted to sci.space.policy
Greg \(Strider\) Moore
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Default NASA?s full Artemis plan revealed: 37 launches and a lunar outpost

"JF Mezei" wrote in message ...

On 2019-05-21 06:42, Jeff Findley wrote:

Nope. In order to have enough political support in the Congress, the
pork-lifter will be part of the plan. Note that each of its planned
launches are specifically (prominently, actually) shown in the graphic.


When I saw the graphic, I had i my mind the SLS "icon" as being generic
since I was thinking NASA was open to using commercial rockets to get
this done by 2024.

So the graphic shows they can land a man on moon by 2024 by using only 3
porklifter flights (12 of 16 engines). Also shows that each of the 3
components of the LEM will be sent to orbit separately (I guess this is
where the commercial launchers come into play) and I would assume much
of the testing will be done on flights that don't involve SLS.

The graphic shows all of the SLS/Orion flights on it including the
"test" flights. There are no more. There is no money nor the time for
more (if the 2024 date is to be believed).


But the graphics also show generic rockets lifting the 3 components of
the "LEM". So I have to assume that there would be some earth orbit
flights in the 2021-22-23-24 time frame to test the LEM prototypes. (not
sure if manned or not).

Does Orion have a hatch compatible with Dragon2/station ? If so, could
they send crews on Dragon2 to dock with the "LEM" in LEO for humans to
test the lander and then return to earth in a Dragon? (or Constellation).


Same thing will happen for SRB segments too. It's not yet clear what
will happen when those run out.


I was always under impression that only the engines were leftover
inventory from shuttle and limited in supply, and that the core stage
and SRBs were built new, based on designs for shuttle.


Did you even read the article? No, the LEM design won't be "dusted
off". It can't operate at sea level internal pressures, which is the
standard today.


Why would LEM-2 need to operate at 1ATM since it will never operate on
earth?


For the same reason ISS operates at 1 ATM. It makes some parts of the
operations easier.


Put blueprints on the RFP and suppliers able to build what is already
designed will bid and get contract. You save the years needed to design
something. The LEM's design was tested and went through all that
certification back in the 1960s.


Because the LM of the 60s isn't adequate for today's needs. Heck, even in
the 60s they were pushing the limits of what it could do for the J class
missions.

--
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