ESAS DISCUSS #2: TRANSPORT OF CEV BEFORE & AFTER FLIGHT

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mattblack

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Noting that the CEV will be 5.5 meters in diameter, are there any plans in motion for transport infrastructure before and after flight? This diameter might preclude transport in a lot of planes, trains and trucks. For instance: a C-17 transport plane's doorway is about 4.5 meters in diameter. Would the old "Super-Guppy" plane or the Airbus "Beluga" be able to cope? <br /><br />Also, will the desert landing sites have pre-deployed heavy lifting gear for a capsule that might exceed 9 tons? And what about Navy ships; do they have standard cranes that could handle this spacecraft if it has to land on water? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p>One Percent of Federal Funding For Space: America <strong><em><u>CAN</u></em></strong> Afford it!!  LEO is a <strong><em>Prison</em></strong> -- It's time for a <em><strong>JAILBREAK</strong></em>!!</p> </div>
 
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holmec

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Im sure this won't be a big problem. A C-5 Galaxy should cope. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><font color="#0000ff"><em>"SCE to AUX" - John Aaron, curiosity pays off</em></font></p> </div>
 
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kane007

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Well the CM is saucer shaped so why not carry it piggy backed in a configuration like the AWACS antenna on the E-3 Sentry or the current Orbiter ferry. Maybe to increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the ferry configuration, they could have a fairing or shell to wrap it in. <br /><br />Plus they wouldn't need a 747 but could probably slap it to the back of a C130J Hercules (5,100km with 18,155kg payload - plenty). They can get from Christchurch, NZ to Ross & McMurdo station Antarctica.<br /><br /><font color="yellow">"keep it simple, stupid"</font>/safety_wrapper>
 
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lampblack

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"Well the CM is saucer shaped so why not carry it piggy backed in a configuration like the AWACS antenna on the E-3 Sentry or the current Orbiter ferry. Maybe to increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the ferry configuration, they could have a fairing or shell to wrap it in."<br /><br />hmmm... the orbiter ferry (I seem to recall reading) takes advantage of the orbiter's ET attach points. Seems unlikely the CEV would have anything that corresponds.<br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font color="#0000ff"><strong>Just tell the truth and let the chips fall...</strong></font> </div>
 
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kane007

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Simple, once the heatshield is dumped and airbags are used up, they could have some kind of attachment point(s) at the base of the CM.
 
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nibb31

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Super Guppy is too small, and really antiquated! Do you want to be flying a 50 year old aircraft until 2020 ?<br /><br />If the CEV has a diameter of 5.5m, the Beluga leaves 1m all around it for the dolly or a container. The floor of the Beluga is 5.4m wide, so the dolly would have to be slightly slimmer than the CEV itself, but that shouldn't be a problem. <br /><br />The Beluga could also carry the entire CEV+SM assembly, whereas piggybacking on a 747 wouldn't be as practical. Besides, piggybacking requires a large and expensive infrastructure.<br /><br />The main obstacle would be political, with Boeing involvement, I don't think buying an Airbus would be desirable option for NASA.<br />
 
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najab

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><i>hmmm... the orbiter ferry (I seem to recall reading) takes advantage of the orbiter's ET attach points. Seems unlikely the CEV would have anything that corresponds.</i><p>It does if you carry it upside down! <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /></p>
 
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mattblack

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Boeing plans to build a "Beluga-like" extra large 747 freighter to move 787 airliner components around:<br /><br />http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2003/photorelease/q4/pr_031013g2.html<br /><br />They're going to build 3 of them. If Nasa asked them, would they build a fourth, or ask Boeing to modify their old Shuttle carriers?<br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p>One Percent of Federal Funding For Space: America <strong><em><u>CAN</u></em></strong> Afford it!!  LEO is a <strong><em>Prison</em></strong> -- It's time for a <em><strong>JAILBREAK</strong></em>!!</p> </div>
 
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