SLS Launch was supposed to be later than June 2020. As an agency we need to stick to our committments. We should launch around the Moon in June 2020. I think it could be done. Orion and Service module could be launched on a commercial rocket @JimBridenstine
Wicker: you are looking at using a commercial rocket to send Orion/Service module around the Moon. Whose rocket? Bridenstine: no rocket exists - yet. We could use 2 rockets to put Orion/service module and another to put a booster into orbit, dock them, and send it to the Moon.
Bridenstine: We can use off the shelf capabilities to accomplish this objective while sticking with SLS. I think this can be figured out in the next couple of weeks. NASA has a history of not meeting launch dates. I am going to change that.
Here's the real significance of this Jim Bridenstine announcement. If you can do EM-1 with commercial rockets and LEO docking, you can do all of the EM missions with commercial rockets and LEO docking.
In addition, @SciGuySpace if @NASA adopts a more modular approach where pieces are docked together in LEO then you can get more flexibility out of more parts from more players. A standard docking adapter makes this inherently flexible and govts/companies can use multiple rockets.
It would be very interesting if @torybruno did propose a @ULA_ACES concept for EM-1 that used an ACES stage as a Earth/Moon tug - one that would be used again for future missions - with human crews on board.
Bridenstine Proposes Commercial EM-1 Mission - Without SLS
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SLS Launch was supposed to be later than June 2020. As an agency we need to stick to our committments. We should launch around the Moon in June 2020. I think it could be done. Orion and Service module could be launched on a commercial rocket @JimBridenstine
Wicker: you are looking at using a commercial rocket to send Orion/Service module around the Moon. Whose rocket? Bridenstine: no rocket exists - yet. We could use 2 rockets to put Orion/service module and another to put a booster into orbit, dock them, and send it to the Moon.
Bridenstine: We can use off the shelf capabilities to accomplish this objective while sticking with SLS. I think this can be figured out in the next couple of weeks. NASA has a history of not meeting launch dates. I am going to change that.
Here's the real significance of this Jim Bridenstine announcement. If you can do EM-1 with commercial rockets and LEO docking, you can do all of the EM missions with commercial rockets and LEO docking.
In addition, @SciGuySpace if @NASA adopts a more modular approach where pieces are docked together in LEO then you can get more flexibility out of more parts from more players. A standard docking adapter makes this inherently flexible and govts/companies can use multiple rockets.
It would be very interesting if @torybruno did propose a @ULA_ACES concept for EM-1 that used an ACES stage as a Earth/Moon tug - one that would be used again for future missions - with human crews on board.