On Mon, 1 Feb 2010 14:58:35 -0500, "Jeff Findley"
wrote:


From spaceref:

.... Contrary to various Internet rumors, NASA has not selected a preferred
Shuttle-derived launch system to replace Ares 1 and Ares V - i.e, the
Shuttle "Sidemount", In-line, or "DIRECT" concepts. While throughly
vetted and evaluated, are of these concepts all government-driven
designs and are thus part of the old way of doing business. Future
heavy lift solutions will be solicited from the private sector.


Can you post the link to that article? I couldn't find it.

One has to wonder though if "the private sector" could propose just such a
shuttle derived launch vehicle. ATK and other contractors would benefit
greatly from such a project. NASA would also benefit, indirectly, because
it could make use of its existing launch facilities, which could otherwise
remain dormant (large losses of jobs).


I think it would be hysterical if they proposed an "Ares 1 Lite" with
a 4-segment first stage, cryogenic second stage, and a familiar
looking capusle. And got it to work! Vincication would be sweet.


And yeah, you could use shuttle-derived, though you might get the same
lifting power with upgrades to the Atlas 5 or Delta 4.