Space and Science BS Thread

I wonder how much was actually used “as is” but it certainly seems like they had a leg up then jumped off the ladder.

 

It’s technology “derived” from the Shuttle.

Everything needed to be evaluated based on the overall new design. Most similar are the boosters, tank and engines but all of them had to be studied and redesigned for the new configuration. Closest to “as is” are the SRBs. I think they just added a segment.

 

Still a heck of a long time to adapt to existing hardware with a well known performance envelope 5 decades into the space program, it’s embarrassing. If it doesn’t work i want to see heads roll(many, many of them). Even if it does I want to see a radical change in how projects get managed in the future(meaning at least some heads on separate trajectories from torsos). Too much ass covering and not enough asses and elbows.

 

Don’t forget about “cost plus” contracting.

The whole program, while it might be the preeminent system NASA has and should be cause for widespread national pride, is a disgrace. Cool as hell but a disgrace nonetheless..

At least Boeing’s not building Orion or the SM.

 

I do think the old heads need to roll. Too many Chiefs comfortable in their cushy Boeing job that they want to keep the cash cow flowing. If I don't make my deadlines, I get wrote up. If I do that too many times, I get fired. Same should go for Boeing.

 

Let's see...

- SRBs added a segment (up to 5 now) and I think a slight nozzle modification
- Main tank longer, add engine mounts, design/build intertank, add upper tank
- RS-25 engines modified (with 3D printed parts) to allow for easier/quicker rebuild for re-use
- New flight computers and sensors

So, evolutionary not revolutionary.

Truth be told, when Boeing got the contract for the core stage, they threw out all that Lockheed had done to that point. That alone cost 2 years and a large volume of tax dollars.

 

I know we're talking about SLS here, but there was also significant upgrades to 39B.

 

I'm just wondering now, if the $4B cost of SLS also included the cost of upgrading 39B?

 

Yes.

The mobile launch platform as well.

And, unfortunately, after A-I launches, the mobile platform will be scrapped. They are building up the second platform however.

From what I understand, the first one was hacked together, and has been undergoing modifications for a while. It sounds like they started building it without a complete plan - but that is only a guess on my part.

 

Are you talking about the crawler that took SLS from the VAB to 39B?

 

Not the crawler, but the platform and tower that sits on the crawler.

For those that don't know (and I didn't know until recently) the "crawler" is only the engine(s) and tracked portion of the vehicle. It slides under the launch platform and tower assembly for transport.

I always assumed it was one - albeit huge - assembly, but it's not.

 

Thats why there’s:

https://ideas.lego.com/projects/ffbe8819-6300-4f61-92c9-3778feaa57de

And
https://bricksin.space/launch-complex-39a/

 

Huh...I did not know it had a flat top.

 

Up to Crew 7 now… MS to be named later:
https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1506995395775406083?s=21

 

R&d takes time and money. Retrofitting often costs as much if not more than building new. Constant revisions slow down progress and cost money.

This is why Elon waited until the base of their rocket design was built before getting nasa involved. He wanted to build a rocket that worked and require payloads to conform to his specs instead of the usual design a payload and build a rocket specifically for it.

 

Love those models.

I really don't need another hobby....

 

It adds up quickly….

 

I know.

I've been contemplating building model rockets again - I still have my Estes rockets from when I was a kid (they're in a box in the attic, not on display.)

And Estes has a lot of really cool models now...

 

Cool gif from back in the day
https://twitter.com/airandspace/status/1507062190313918471?s=21

 

Now, are those the same scale of the Saturn 5 model?!? If that were the case they'd make one sweet awesome set/collection