I have some thoughts this morning, over at Pajamas Media.
2 thoughts on “The Augustine Options”
You briefly mention larger versions of EELVs. What do you think of EELV Phase 1? Too big or just acceptable? Personally I think EELV Phase 1 plus all eventual upgrades that do not require a bigger core booster are fine. That includes the possibility of an RS-68B Regen powered Delta core with RS-84 powered Atlas strap-ons and an RL-60 powered upper stage. Eventually. The single stick versions seem more interesting though.
Philosophically, I think that it would be an interesting challenge to NASA, and inspire “innovation” (something of which there is no hint in their current plans) to figure out how to make do with the launch vehicles they have. But politically, it probably wouldn’t fly.
You briefly mention larger versions of EELVs. What do you think of EELV Phase 1? Too big or just acceptable? Personally I think EELV Phase 1 plus all eventual upgrades that do not require a bigger core booster are fine. That includes the possibility of an RS-68B Regen powered Delta core with RS-84 powered Atlas strap-ons and an RL-60 powered upper stage. Eventually. The single stick versions seem more interesting though.
Philosophically, I think that it would be an interesting challenge to NASA, and inspire “innovation” (something of which there is no hint in their current plans) to figure out how to make do with the launch vehicles they have. But politically, it probably wouldn’t fly.