OIG on Ares 1 Mobile Launcher Mods
NASA’s Plans to Modify the Ares I Mobile Launcher in Support of the Space Launch System, NASA OIG
“The OIG found that NASA’s decision to modify the Ares I Mobile Launcher is technically feasible and the most cost-effective option for launching at least the initial versions of the SLS vehicles. However, further assessment of planned modifications to the Mobile Launcher will be needed as the SLS continues to evolve and its design solidifies.”
NASA built this mobile launcher in hopes Aries 1 would become operational and now wants to modify it for the SLS.The impression I got was the launcher was built for the SLS in the first place.Bolden publicly bragged that it was for the future vehicles to be launched.This seems like the beginning of one Hugh “money pit” the taxpayers will be left footing the bill with.I think it would be a good idea for Musk to be consulted with about use by Space X.
Last I heard was that Musk was going to launch the Falcon Heavy from the southern tip of Texas if he can get the tree huggers to let loose of some of the Texas Parks and Widlife property. He is already in the process of building a launch pad for the Heavy at Vandenberg AFB.
Your comments would be more credible if you left the slurs out.
Uh, what slurs would that be? Seriously.
I think he means your use of the term, “tree hugger”… Just saying. =)
“Tree huggers” is a derogatory term for environmentalists.
Robin,
I see no slurs in Ralphy’s post. Those are the actual facts, and they’ve been posted on NASA Watch previously, if I recall correctly, and have certainly been posted on other web sites.
Steve
Space X wants nothing to do with existing Shuttle (& Apollo before that) infrastructure. It is a huge expense to maintain such an archaic system. Almost every single modern rocket I can think of. Atlas V, Delta IV, Falcon 9… is transported horizontally on a trailer until it gets to the pad. The VAB, launch pads and crawler transporter are designed for vertical integration and transport to the pad… Soooooo, 20th Century! Unless NASA subsidizes the cost, no one with a sane business case will want to use them.
Yeah wasn’t it build with Ares V in mind also?
I think what we can derive from this is that the SLS hasn’t got the final design locked down yet. ATK doesn’t have it sussed for their boosters. I seem to recall that another company has made a pitch for liquid fueled boosters. So things are still up in the air. There is no sense modifying the mobile launcher until they do have a final design contract OKed and approved by Congress. The VAB is a different situation. It is being modified to accept any stack configuration.
I agree, especially with the major unknowns in funding over the coming decade (I think we can safely assume that NASA’s budget is in for some decreases). By the time SLS and it’s upgrade(s) are finalized we might see a dozen redefinitions of the requirements for the launcher. Only at that point (if it ever comes to pass) will they be able to determine the viability of modifying this particular launcher. In addition, I personally doubt that SLS will be able to use a mobile launcher, and if it has to be made stationary, picking a location is likewise requirements driven by the final SLS design(s). Cart and horse.
Steve