DocM Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 The Deployable Launch System is being developed to support small class (<200 klbf/890 kN thrust) launchers at LC-39B. This represents part of a plan to use 39B for large and small commercial launchers as well as for the Space Launch System. http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/05/ksc-construction-launch-pad-box/ Obvious candidates are RocketLab's Electron and Firefly's alpha and beta. The New Zealand based RocketLab Electron is configured like a mini Falcon 9 whose Rutherford engine uses electric driven turbopumps instead of conventional turbine driven turbopumps. http://www.rocketlabusa.com/index.html Firefly alpha is a small composite tank 2 stage launcher with an annular aerospike engine in S1 and a pressure fed conventional in S2. Firefly beta is a triple-core "heavy." Founded by Tom Markusic, the former manager at McGregor. May also fly from near SpaceX's Boca Chica site, and their new HQ is in Texas There's been some speculation that SpaceX has some level of involvement because their first HQ was next door to Hawthorne etc., but no meat. http://www.fireflyspace.com Lots of interest in both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts