Aren't SSME's too expensive to be disposable?

[vogon13]

Can you imagine the look on the beaurocrats face when the environmental impact statement for <i><b> THAT</b></i> scenario drops on his desk?<br /><br /><img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /><br /><br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#ff0000"><strong>TPTB went to Dallas and all I got was Plucked !!</strong></font></p><p><font color="#339966"><strong>So many people, so few recipes !!</strong></font></p><p><font color="#0000ff"><strong>Let's clean up this stinkhole !!</strong></font> </p> </div>

 

[barrykirk]

I've worked in salt plants before.<br /><br />The only metals that are immune to rusting are plastic and wood.

 

[rybanis]

I see!<br /><br /><br />Well, for a comparison, how long did it take for an F-1 to come up to full thrust? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[propforce]

<i>"...Well, for a comparison, how long did it take for an F-1 to come up to full thrust? ..."</i><br /><br />How about using the J-2 for comparison as it was the 2nd stage engine. <br /><br />In the specification, J-2 takes 4 seconds from the start command to 100% power, whereas the SSME is allowed for upto 5 seconds.<br /><br />The start-up to FPL time is not an issue. How to keep the SSME chilled prelaunch and during 1st stage flight, is more interesting. <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>