SpaceX and OrbitalATK get USAF propulsion contracts

[Draggendrop Veteran]

On a funnier note...ATK making a nozzle for BE3 (vac), where upon BE will sell it to ULA.....

[Draggendrop Veteran]

Reddit is a little out of control, but I see consensus on the issue that it is seed money for products the AF know are attainable and will be available and rid the AF projects of RD's.  Similarly with the Raptor being a great idea, not only for the F9 and FH, but the AF may have future needs for BFR and want cost effective launchers with bonus of reusability.

 

then again, this was there...

 

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For he who controls the orbitals, controls the world.

AF General: "Stupid Navy and their carrier battle groups, getting all the cool missions"
AF Aid: "You know if SpaceX reusability plan works out we might finally be able to afford those space carriers"
AF General: "Thats IT! Invest in SpaceX, I want those Space Carriers, Polanski, and I want them Now!"

-Tune in next week for another exciting edition of Pentagon Theater-

[Unobscured Vision]

Hmm ... Air Force Space Command much?

 

Wow.

[Draggendrop Veteran]

15 minutes ago, Unobscured Vision said:

Hmm ... Air Force Space Command much?

 

Wow.

It's a case of some doing a few good posts...and others...well, lets just say, some don't know and are curious, while others have their mind  somewhere else apparently.....

 

I'll just wait, too silly out there...Doc will have stuff, after the explosives are allowed to cool....

[DocM]

23 minutes ago, Unobscured Vision said:

Hmm ... Air Force Space Command much?

 

Wow.

There already is a US Air Force Space Command

[Draggendrop Veteran]

Yes...quite right, and their responsibilities may be getting bigger with increased access to space and debris co-ordination, till handed off to another entity....

 

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Air Force Space Command, activated Sept. 1, 1982, is a major command with headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. AFSPC provides military focused space and cyberspace capabilities with a global perspective to the joint warfighting team.

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More than 35,000 professionals assigned to 134 locations worldwide.

http://www.afspc.af.mil/

 

[Draggendrop Veteran]

Here is a bit...

 

Defence News

 

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ATK Launch Systems Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Orbital ATK Inc., Magna, Utah, has been awarded a $46,968,005 other transaction agreement for the development of three rocket propulsion system prototypes for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program. This agreement implements Section 1604 of the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act, which requires the development of a next-generation rocket propulsion system that will transition away from the use of the Russian-supplied RD-180 engine to a domestic alternative for National Security Space launches. An other transaction agreement was used in lieu of a standard procurement contract in order to leverage on-going investment by industry in rocket propulsion systems. This other transaction agreement requires shared cost investment with ATK Launch Systems Inc. for the development of prototypes of the GEM 63XL strap-on solid rocket motor, the Common Booster Segment (CBS) solid rocket motor, and an Extendable Nozzle for Blue Origin’s BE-3U upper stage engine. These rocket propulsion systems are intended for use on an Orbital ATK next generation launch vehicle.  The GEM 63XL strap-on solid rocket motor is also intended for use on United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan launch vehicle.  The locations of performance are Magna, Utah; Iuka, Mississippi; Chandler, Arizona; and Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. The work is expected to be completed no later than Dec. 30, 2019.  Air Force fiscal 2015 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $46,968,005 are being obligated at the time of award.  ATK Launch Systems Inc. is contributing $31,130,360 at the time of award.  The total potential government investment, including all options, is $180,238,059.  The total potential investment by ATK Launch Systems Inc., including all options, is $124,830,693. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition with multiple offers received. The Launch Systems Enterprise Directorate, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California is the contracting activity (FA8811-16-9-0002).

 

Space Exploration Technologies, Corp. (SpaceX), Hawthorne, California, has been awarded a $33,660,254 other transaction agreement for the development of the Raptor rocket propulsion system prototype for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program. This agreement implements Section 1604 of the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act, which requires the development of a next-generation rocket propulsion system that will transition away from the use of the Russian-supplied RD-180 engine to a domestic alternative for National Security Space launches. An other transaction agreement was used in lieu of a standard procurement contract in order to leverage on-going investment by industry in rocket propulsion systems. This other transaction agreement requires shared cost investment with SpaceX for the development of a prototype of the Raptor engine for the upper stage of the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles. The locations of performance are NASA Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Hawthorne, California; and Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. The work is expected to be completed no later than Dec. 31, 2018. Air Force fiscal 2015 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $33,660,254 are being obligated at the time of award.  SpaceX is contributing $67,320,506 at the time of award. The total potential government investment, including all options, is $61,392,710. The total potential investment by SpaceX, including all options, is $122,785,419. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition with multiple offers received. The Launch Systems Enterprise Directorate, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California is the contracting activity (FA8811-16-9-0001).

http://defensenews-updates.blogspot.ca/2016/01/dtn-news-us-department-of-defense_13.html

 

[Unobscured Vision]

Yes, I'm aware of the UASFSC. You can't be a member of the U.S. Military pushing paperwork and not be aware of it.  

[Draggendrop Veteran]

SpaceRef.com carried this release...it kind of implies that this can continue beyond this phase, dependent on results....

 

Air Force Awards Two Rocket Propulsion System Prototype OTAs

 

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Press Release From: Los Angeles Air Force Base 
Posted: Wednesday, January 13, 2016

 

LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, El Segundo, Calif. - Today the Space and Missile Systems Center awarded the first two Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) for shared public-private investments in Rocket Propulsion System (RPS) prototypes to SpaceX for development testing of the Raptor upper stage engine and Orbital ATK for development of the Common Booster Segment main stage, the Graphite Epoxy Motor (GEM) 63XL strap-on booster, and an extendable nozzle for Blue Origin's BE-3U/EN upper stage engine. The initial government contribution to the SpaceX OTA is $33.6 million. The initial government contribution to the Orbital ATK OTA is $46.9 million. The Air Force is still in negotiations with the remaining offerors and subsequent awards, if any, will occur over the next few months. The OTA awards are part of a comprehensive Air Force plan to transition off the Russian- supplied RD-180 propulsion system used on the Atlas V rocket by investing in industry solutions with the ultimate goal to competitively procure launch services in a domestic launch market.

 

"Having two or more domestic, commercially viable launch providers that also meet national security space requirements is our end goal," said Lt. Gen. Samuel Greaves, the Air Force's Program Executive Officer for Space and SMC commander. "These awards are essential in order to solidify U.S. assured access to space, transition the EELV program away from strategic foreign reliance, and support the U.S. launch industry's commercial viability in the global market."

 

The Air Force will award a portfolio of investments in industry's RPS solutions, which vary depending on what industry proposed. The solicitation allowed companies to submit proposals for the development of a RPS prototype, which ranged from full development of a new RPS, modifications to an existing RPS to meet NSS requirements, smaller projects to address high risk items for an RPS or subcomponents, or activities required to test or qualify a new or existing RPS to meet EELV requirements. Therefore, the value of each agreement varies depending on what was proposed. At least one third of the total cost of the RPS prototype project will be paid out of funds provided by parties to the transactions other than the federal government.

 

These RPS investments, which will initially occur over the course of 12-18 months, will build the foundation for future investments in industry launch system solutions and launch service commitments from invested companies. Concurrently, the Air Force will continue to award launch services contracts to certified providers who demonstrate the capability to design, produce, qualify, and deliver launch systems and provide the mission assurance support required to deliver national security space satellites to orbit.

 

Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Systems Center, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the U.S. Air Force's center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. Its portfolio includes the Global Positioning System, Military Satellite Communications, Defense Meteorological Satellites, Space Launch and Range Systems, Satellite Control Networks, Space Based Infrared Systems and Space Situational Awareness capabilities.

 

// end //

http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=47678

 

[DocM]

The AF doc looks as if SpaceX got two awards; one for the upper stage and one for an RD-180 replacement. 

 

You guys read the same,?

[Draggendrop Veteran]

Actually...you may be right...first part is a transition from RD-180 to a domestic alternative. The other is stated as a non regular contract, in which cost sharing is involved for raptor development on F9 and FH launchers.

 

WOW.... 

[Unobscured Vision]

It appears to me that:

 

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Orbital ATK for development of the 1) Common Booster Segment main stage, the 2) Graphite Epoxy Motor (GEM) 63XL strap-on booster, and 3) an extendable nozzle for Blue Origin's BE-3U/EN upper stage engine.

So Orbital got a total of 3 contracts;

 

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to SpaceX for development testing of the Raptor upper stage engine

And SpaceX got funding for testing Raptor's upper-stage variant.

[Draggendrop Veteran]

SpaceX got 2 contracts...appears work on an RD-180 alternative (replacement) and a non traditional contract of cost sharing for F9 and FH Raptor integration.

 

[Draggendrop Veteran]

If the AF just wanted an American engine, I feel that they would have stated it as such. This is phrased as an RD-180 replacement, where they have given a distinct engine with parameters. Otherwise, they would have said...we want an American launcher, and don't care what it look's like, as long as it works.

 

An alternative to a specific engine is just that...an engine to pop in to a launcher with known engine parameters. Plumbing and tanks can be changed. Raptor is also a more efficient system compared to BO's and this could also be another way to hedge a bet towards Vulcan.

 

The other contract, is cost sharing to provide that second launcher with a modernized alternative power source and they state what launchers this will apply to.

 

I like...and this could be ongoing after completion of phases. The AF is serious about this and it appears as if the AF is subtly saying that ULA will comply with AF  wishes or be relegated in the future.

 

Just trying to make sense of it.....

[Draggendrop Veteran]

On various forums and sites that I have visited...there are many similarities of the type of questions asked and answered...and are repeating again.

 

I think I may have a better understanding, as compared to 2 hours ago...so I will give my take on it and see what you think....

 

SpaceX received 2 contracts.

 

contract 1.......To develop a LNG first stage launcher engine, around the capacity of the non LNG RD-180.  This does not have to be a direct replacement, but an alternate engine of comparable output.

 

contract 2.....To develop a LNG second stage engine for future possible use on a F9 and FH.

 

The end result, will be that SpaceX will have the ability of having a full LNG engine compliment for an undetermined S1 and a F9/FH S2, both being available to the AF and this work can be along the lines of SpaceX's current Raptor design with scalability.

 

The spin off is help for SpaceX in financing R&D on their Raptor LNG design, now and probably several extensions, which SpaceX have plans for any way....and creates viable options for the AF in the future.

 

How does this sound.......?

 

 

[DocM]

I think that this may shorten the operational life of Falcon Heavy, with a mini-BFR (5-7 meter S1, 9 Raptor 550 klbf  engines) taking over.  This should be able to fly from former Titan IV, Shuttle (LC-39A or Vandy) or Saturn V/SLS pads (LC-39B.)

 

This should allow engine out, over 80 tonnes to LEO, a simpler to process single stick design, and a fairing of at least 7-10 meters - perfect for Bigelow habs and later Mars precursor missions.

 

Not being road transportable would mean a core factory near the launch site, which Musk has already mentioned for Brownsville (which will have 2 full launch control centers and big payload processing hangars, hint-hint.)

 

This should also be possible at KSC (via Space Florida) and Vandenberg (whose commander really likes SpaceX.) They only need a big barn hangar that can hold the tooling. The engines could be printed anywhere. Maybe McGregor and Hawthorne.

Edited January 14, 2016 by DocM

[DocM]

NSF user Dante80 mocked up what Raptor-ized F9 and FH may look like. Larger diameter and fairing encapsulated (like Centaur) 5.2m S2 tank, fairing mod to match.

 

Also seems prime for a stretched fairing for some DoD birds  and Bigelow habitats. Good enough for discussion.

 

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=39310.msg1474680#msg1474680

 

Raptor-ized left, F9/FH FT right.

 

[Draggendrop Veteran]

Looks good. I saw that on reddit last night...did not realize that he was also over on NSF....does good work....

 

Would the increase of S2 diameter primarily be for tanks ?

[DocM]

Yes. Methane isn't as energy dense as RP-1 so you need more of it for a given amount of energy. The flipside is you get a nice Isp gain, aka efficiency.

 

Not as good as with liquid hydrogen, but without all of LH2's headaches (hardware costs, embrittlement etc) and you can easily make it on Mars from the CO2 atmosphere.

[Macsen]

I don't understand why they're so eager to remain stuck in the same ol', same ol'.

 

Though to be fair, Orbital ATK is now part of the same ol', same ol'. (see: Shuttle/SLS SRBs)

[DocM]

OrbitalATK got contracts for GEM solids so the USAF could maintain two solid rocket motor suppliers for redundancy, the other supplier being Aerojet-Rocketdyne who is still negotiating their contract. Solid motors aren't just used for launchers but ICBM's, IRBM's and most other missiles. Between missile deployment and resupply contracts solids for launchers keep their lights on.

 

USAF gave SpaceX a mini-Raptor methane upper stage contract because there are military payloads which require a longer on-orbit loiter than an M1DVac RP-1 (kerosene) upper stage can perform without the fuel gelling from the cold and the batteries dying. Liquid methane likes the cold, and it isn't as finicky as liquid hydrogen.

 

IMO this upper stage will be much like Boeing's ACES stage for Vulcan and SLS; an onboard APU for power, self-pressurizing (autogenous, no helium), propellants that can survive the cold (methane & LOX), capable of many restarts (no TEA-TEB pyrophorics - electric start), and the option of being an orbital tanker.

 

2nd job for the tanker tech: refueling BFS in orbit before it bugs out for Mars or where ever.

Edited January 14, 2016 by DocM

[Draggendrop Veteran]

Well, this is somehow part of the plan, plan to avoid reusability maybe....

 

Orbital Developing Rocket To Compete With SpaceX, ULA

 

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WASHINGTON – Orbital ATK is developing a new intermediate to heavy-class rocket that could eventually compete with SpaceX and United Launch Alliance to launch national security satellites.

 

The recently merged rocketmaker, based out of Dulles, Virginia, won a $46 million U.S. Air Force contract as part of the service’s efforts to help wean itself from the Russian rocket engine. Some of the new work will be used in ULA’s next-generation Vulcan rocket. But the Air Force said in a Jan. 13 announcement that the technologies, including a Common Booster Segment solid rocket motor, “are intended for use on an Orbital ATK next generation launch vehicle.”

 

Orbital ATK officials confirmed Jan. 14 that the company was studying a medium- to heavy-class rocket that would compete in the Air Force’s Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program. The new rocket, which does not have a name, would primarily be powered by solid motors, said Mark Pieczynski, vice president of business development for Orbital ATK’s flight systems group.

 

A first flight could come as soon as 2019, he said.

 

“Orbital ATK is evaluating concepts that utilize solid propulsion elements as the basis of an American-built, intermediate to heavy Class family of EELVs capable of launching Air Force and other payloads,” Pieczynski said in an email. “The solid propulsion and propulsion elements we are developing under this agreement will help achieve low-cost assured access for current and future National Security Space launch requirements.”

 

Blue Origin’s BE-3 engine is the leading candidate to become the rocket’s upper stage engine, although Orbital ATK is studying other options as well, Pieczynski said. The BE-3 also is one of three upper-stage engines ULA is considering for Vulcan.

 

Congress has directed the Defense Department to develop domestic propulsion systems that would enable the Air Force by 2019 to end its reliance on the Russian RD-180 rocket engine, used to power ULA’s Atlas 5 rocket.

 

Before Orbital Sciences and ATK merged in February 2015, the two companies had considered independent and joint responses to the Air Force’s request for propulsion solutions. Both were long thought to have an interest in the national security market by industry and government officials. In 2014, ATK executives argued solid-rocket motors are a relatively near-term replacement and less expensive option than liquid fueled engines, despite a preference from lawmakers for a plug-and-play option to replace to RD-180.

 

With the Jan. 13 award, Pieczynski said Orbital ATK would spend much of its time in the next few months determining the optimum size of the solid rocket motors.

 

The base Air Force contract would cover qualification testing, structural testing and a critical design review in the first half of 2017. If the Air Force exercises all options, the contract could include a static fire test in 2018 and a test flight in 2019.

 

Orbital ATK submitted a letter of intent to the Air Force last year to start the certification process that would allow the rocket to launch national security payloads.

 

Pieczynski said the start of a certification plan, which includes how many successful launches the rocket would need before flying Defense Department payloads, would begin in the first half of this year.

 

If certified, the new rocket would compete with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets and United Launch Alliance’s Delta 4 Heavy and Vulcan rockets. The Air Force and U.S. lawmakers have put a premium on having what they call “assured access to space.” By policy that would mean the Defense Department would have at least two providers to launch military and spy satellites.

 

The emphasis on assured access comes because Air Force leaders are concerned about a potential gap in future years. ULA has said it is retiring its Delta 4 rocket around 2018, leaving the company’s Atlas 5 rocket for medium-class missions to compete with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. However, the future of the Atlas 5 has been clouded by questions about the availability of the Russian engine that powers the rocket.

 

In addition, SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket has yet to make its first flight, leaving ULA’s Delta 4 Heavy as the only heavy-class rocket available to the Defense Department.

http://spacenews.com/orbital-developing-rocket-to-compete-with-spacex-ula/

 

[DocM]

Remember the Antares explosion video at Wallops where people on the jetty were knocked over by the blast?

 

They won't be able to fly this bird out off Wallops like Antares. A solid fuel rocket that size would require a much larger safety zone than is available.

[Unobscured Vision]

Umm .. yeah. If THAT thing goes kaboom they'd be scraping bystanders off the beach with spatulas at that range at Wallops.

 

Solids as mains, huh. So much for reuseability. 

[DocM]

Basically, a resurrection of Ares I / Liberty

 

Ughhh....