Comments on: CEV/CLV changes: policy issues

By: Cecil Trotter

Cecil Trotter — Thu, 02 Feb 2006 13:12:23 +0000

For those who ignore facts that don’t agree with their preconceived notions (AKA Mr Davenport):

“The Super Guppy’s cargo compartment is 25 feet tall, 25 feet wide and 111 feet long. The aircraft can carry a maximum payload of more than 26 tons. It has a unique hinged nose that can open more than 200 degrees, allowing large pieces of cargo to be loaded and unloaded from the front.”

Yikes, another supposed “problem” solved!

By: Mike Puckett

Mike Puckett — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 20:16:20 +0000

Actually, they should be quite comfortable on the way to the Moon considering the additional volume of the LSAM coupled with the CEV will dwarf the per-Astronaut volume of Apollo CM-LM combined.

Things might be a bit cramped on the way back, however but it appears they should still have more usable per-Astronaut volume than with the Apollo CM.

By: Donald F. Robertson

Donald F. Robertson — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 18:44:51 +0000

This is more like a Ford Echo with no windows.

If that’s what we can afford, that’s what we should build.

I am undecided on whether this is good or bad news. The re-redesign is undoubtedly bad news. However, I have always supported a smaller capsule that can launch on any medium-class vehicle. That give’s you the maximum flexibility and lowest launch costs. So, they’ll be a bit uncomfortable on the way to the moon. Build them a bigger shelter at the other end. Put your money on the moon, not the transportation. . . .

— Donald

By: Nemo

Nemo — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 04:09:27 +0000

I’ll add that the Apollo suitup volume was effectively somewhat larger since they were in zeegee, and could use all the volume and orientations available. An LSAM cabin crew at 1/6th Eegee and all psuits oriented in the same direction will be wasting a significent portion of its total volume in a simultaneous suitup

Don’t confuse the CEV with the LSAM – they are two separate vehicles. This CEV design change has no bearing whatsoever on LSAM suiting.

By: Nemo

Nemo — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 04:07:17 +0000

Paul: Of course you should realize that I don’t mind. The point is that it is yet another contradiction in the strategic plan.

Or perhaps not.

The astronauts are influential in this illogical business.

Evidently not as influential as you think.

By: Mike Puckett

Mike Puckett — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 03:19:26 +0000

SupperGuppy or one of those big Ruskie Transports too.

By: Paul Dietz

Paul Dietz — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 03:12:28 +0000

For that matter, ship it as an oversize load on the interstate system.

By: Mike Puckett

Mike Puckett — Sun, 29 Jan 2006 23:41:53 +0000

Sling load it under a chopper.

By: David Davenport

David Davenport — Sun, 29 Jan 2006 14:57:39 +0000

Being experts on aerospace matters, you fellows are aware that the Apollo on Steroids (TM) capsule will be too big to load inside a C-5 A or B?

Cargo Compartment Height 13 feet, 6 inches (4.10 meters); width 19 feet (5.76 meters).

C-5A/B Galaxy

…

Specifications

Primary Function strategic airlift.
Contractor Lockheed-Georgia Co.
Power Plant Four General Electric TF39-GE-1C turbofan engines.
Thrust 41,000 pounds (18,450 kilograms), each engine.
Length 247 feet, 10 inches (75.3 meters).
Height At Tail 65 feet, 1 inch (19.8 meters).
Maximum Takeoff Weight 769,000 pounds (346,500 kilograms).
Maximum Wartime Takeoff Weight 840,000 pounds (378,000 kilograms).
Takeoff/Landing Distances 12,200 feet (3,697 meters) takeoff fully loaded;
4,900 feet (1485 meters) land fully loaded.
Wingspan 222 feet, 9 inches (67.9 meters).
Stabilizer Span 68 feet, 9 inches (20.8 meters).
Cargo Compartment Height 13 feet, 6 inches (4.10 meters); width 19 feet (5.76 meters).
Range 5,940 miles (5,165 nautical miles) empty.
Ceiling 34,000 feet (10,303 meters) with a 605,000-pound (272,250-kilogram) load.
Speed 541 mph (Mach 0.72)
Load 291,000 pounds (130,950 kilograms) maximum wartime payload

By: Mike Puckett

Mike Puckett — Sun, 29 Jan 2006 04:48:29 +0000

They gotta go to Houston anyway.