September 21, 2004

"Pete Lynn" wrote in message :

I have just been wondering if there would be any sense in combining the
CEV, (whatever that may be), with an upper stage propulsion system.

This might give you a flexible and reusable upper stage and perhaps save
some weight over a separate system approach. In addition to negating
the need for a separate upper stage, this might enable a larger
effective CEV on smaller effective launchers. It might also entail a
fluffier effective capsule design, easing reentry requirements.

With refueling this might also directly open up the earth-moon system,
though it is a one size fits all approach.

Would there be any useful advantage to such an approach? Is the added
complexity prohibitive?

Put a capsule on the Delta IV Medium, and lunar circumnavigation is
possible, using the upper stage as your service module. In LEO, you
could retrofit the upper stage into space station modules. You get
three Delta IV Mediums for the price of a single heavy.

Thomas Lee Elifritz
http://elifritz.members.atlantic.net