The Stick Interstage ESAS "final" report

[nolirogari]

In reading section 6.9.6.2.2 of the ESAS report I found it highly intresting to see that NASA has yet to decide if The Stick's interstage will be an open truss structure or a closed cylinder. I agonized over this in my "The Stick" flying model kit and settled on a can't lose compromise- It is a gray truss of "V"s with a solid black background. I guess NASA is currently doing the same. Of course I guess the third option would be a blow-out panel such as the Saturn I Block II interstage. <br /><br />Opinions?

 

[mlorrey]

While aerodynamically, its probably unimportant as its in the lee of the wider upper stage, open trusses remind one so much of old Soviet boosters, and save weight, so I guess it depends on what the focus groups decide the American people like to see in their boosters. Having an open truss in a proposal diagram primarily helps illustrate the upper stage engine nozzles...