Let's Make Up More Busy Work For Stennis
NASA doesn’t need to test SLS anymore, but the Senate mandates it anyway, Ars Technica
“But there was more to the NASA amendment. Wicker co-sponsored it and got his own language added to the bill. The Stennis-specific provision says NASA should “initiate development of a main propulsion test article for the integrated core stage propulsion elements of the Space Launch System, consistent with cost and schedule constraints, particularly for long-lead propulsion hardware needed for flight.” … This seems a somewhat curious rationale, as NASA has already said the SLS core stage does not need to be subjected to further ground tests. Rather, NASA is pushing to fly the vehicle as soon as possible, as the agency is sensitive to criticism that the rocket is years behind schedule and billions of dollars over budget, and it’s viewed by detractors as a jobs program.”
Keith’s note: And of course, since NASA Administrator Senator Nelson is for anything that it takes to fund SLS – even if NASA does not need it. He’ll support this pointless SLS test article – just like he supported absolutely everything else associated with SLS.
– NASA Just Can’t Get That Engine Test Stand Thing Right, earlier post
– NASA OIG: NASA’s Decision Process for Conducting Space Launch System Core Stage Testing at Stennis, earlier post
– Too Many Test Stands at NASA?, earlier post
– OIG Slaps NASA on Un-Needed Stennis Test Stands – Again, earlier post
When will sls be cancelled .its very possible star ship will make it to orbit first and then go around the moon after a few launches beating SLS to all its milestones at a fraction of the cost.its just a mill stone around the leg of NASA
I do not understand congress and the public’s irrational unconditional love of SLS and equally irrational hostility towards Elon Musk.
The irrational love for SLS is strictly from those in Congress with ties to Big Aerospace and their lobbying funds. The public, for the most part, is not paying attention and couldn’t care less. There are bigger economical and sociological fish to fry in this country right now.
Those of us that do follow NASA and private sector space, are generally disgusted with SLS and it’s seemingly endless supply of pork-laden handouts in support of it.
We are thrilled, however, with the progress and ground-breaking ingenuity of Elon Musk and SpaceX, that are actually showing true results.
Today Gwynne Shotwell gave a virtual commencement speech to Northwestern U. grads. A conspicuous bit of “product placement” was a sign beside her counting down the Starship orbital test engine shipments, 25 days. Coincidental? I think not.
https://youtu.be/mVosLGiOqmc
This is very exciting to me. I believe it means there is at least a small chance that the initial Starship orbital attempt will be this August. I understand there is a lot to be done both on the Starship and the Starbase first.
Even without a successful return, I hope that the first time the Starship reaches orbit will be the beginning of the end for SLS.
Those making some effort to understand the function and performance of SLS, especially compared to Starship, are generally sidelined.
I don’t think the true impact of Starship, should it succeed, is widely understood in a country where the difference between the silly ‘space race’ between Bezos and Virgin are conflated with actual orbital trips.
Have some barbecue sauce on that pork.
The commitment to SLS is political. Logic does not apply. It ends when the money runs out or after impact in the Atlantic.