Main obstacles in ESAS Report

[filias_fogg]

There are two critical points in ESAS Report that could spoil or derail the whole VSE<br />1. Modification of the SSME as expandable engine – it practically means new engine.<br />2. Requirements for 5-7 days all crew stay on Moon surface that could lead to very heavy Lunar Lander, finally too heavy for proposed CaLV+CLV combination, especially when hypergolic will be used. <br /><br />What do you thing about these proposals (crazy, scie-fic, wrong, realistic, brain test only, etc)<br />1. Revitalize Russian LO2-LH2 RD-0120 engine.<br />To buy the know-how for that engine and all mothballed engines. Why Russian engine? Because development SSME expandable will end in something like this, and it will cost more money.<br />Obstacles: political reasons, prestige, prejudice, tools and parts are not available anymore (?), but for J-2 there is also problem with tools, etc.<br />Advantages: something like this has been already done: Atlas V with Russian RD-180, Boeing–Sea-Launch-Zenit, inevitable revitalization of the old J-2 engine.<br /><br />2. Built a CLV and CaLV in the following configuration<br />CLV config<br />Stage 0 - 2x Booster SRB – 2.5 segments (or 2-3 segments depending various demand) <br />Stage 1 core – Delta IV modified first stage equipped with SSME or RD-0120 derivative engine<br />Payload estimated 25+ tons - till 30 + tons depending of the segments number in SRB boosters<br />Obstacles: Delta IV first stage modification? , shorten SRB ? (but two segments SRB must be done for CEV escape system tests – usspacenews.com)<br />CaLV config<br />Stage 0 - 2x Booster SRB - 5 segment (best solution and probably the must)<br />Stage 1 core – ET tank with 4 RD-0120 derivative aft mounted<br />Payload/EDS: side mounted like orbiter !<br />Payload estimated 90+ tons<br />Advantages: less modification on ET tank, (why to throw away all experiences with ET tank), lower launcher suitable for existing shuttle pad<br />Obstacles: engines problems as above, SRB 5 segment-development, 4 eng