NASA Encounters Possible Problems With Crew Launch Vehicle Design

http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewnews.html?id=1087

"According to industry sources, NASA has encountered some problems with
its planned CLV (Crew Launch Vehicle) design as spelled out in the yet
to be (formally) released Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS)
Final Report.
Sources report problems have been encountered in designing an
expendable version (RS 25) of the current SSME (Space Shuttle Main
Engine) for the CLV's second stage that can be air-started. Concerns
have also been raised that a possible alternate second stage engine, a
derivative of the Apollo era J-2S engine, may be underpowered for the
task.
These sources also talk about interest on NASA's part of moving to
using a 5 segment SRB (Solid Rocket Booster) as the first stage of the
CLV instead of the initial plan to use the current 4 segment booster
used by the Space Shuttle. In so doing, NASA would now be creating what
would, in essence, be a wholly new launch vehicle."

I don't know if I like the sound of this...proponents of the CLV have
always claimed it was safe by the fact it was suppose to use existing
designs with known/proven safety records. That last sentence makes the
argument weaker.


Just my $0.02

Space Cadet

derwetzelsDASHspacecadetATyahooDOTcom


Moon Society - St. Louis Chapter

http://www.moonsociety.org/chapters/stlouis/

The Moon Society is a non-profit educational and
scientific foundation formed to further scientific
study and development of the moon.