DocM Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 Aviation Week.... Sounds like they're looking at SpaceX, Orbital Sciences or Liberty (ATK/Astrium's kinda-Ares I) as an addition to ULA's Atlas V & Delta. Cost is the driving factor (duh) I think that Liberty was included solely to placate certain congressman - it only exists in PowerPoint. As for Orbital Sciences they're a proven player, but they've had 3 launches recently where the payload fairing has failed causing a loss of mission. There is a "risk reduction" launch coming up later this year to test a redesign, and its results are being watched by the entire industry. It had better work. SpaceX is who most observers think the USAF wants to use, mainly to gain access to their Merlin 1D-enhanced Falcon 9 and especially Falcon Heavy. Neither Orbital or Liberty could come close to FH's 53+ metric ton capacity. Another plus is that F9 is man-rated and FH is very likely to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neoadorable Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 good news, the more the merrier as i always say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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