Comments on: Boeing to do second unmanned test flight of Starliner https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/boeing-to-do-second-unmanned-test-flight-of-starliner/ Wed, 08 Apr 2020 09:32:31 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Richard M https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/boeing-to-do-second-unmanned-test-flight-of-starliner/#comment-1078718 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 09:32:31 +0000 https://behindtheblack.com/?p=64764#comment-1078718 Let’s not lose sight of the fact that the Atlas V performed flawlessly (as it always does) on the test flight. It was Boeing’s Starliner that was the trainwreck.

I’m also not a fan of Vulcan’s expendability or use of undank (however upgraded) solids. But I have to say, the new stats on the Centaur V upper stage are just amazing. It’s a beast — lots of prop, decent thrust, and incredible longevity. A fair bit of what was supposed to be in ACES but not in Centaur V looks like it may now be included in the base Centaur V –hydrolox thrusters pulling from the main tanks for single fluid operation with no hypergols, and a multi-month mission kit capability. Seems it’s just a refueling port shy of being a truly incredible space tug.

Even if Vulcan can’t stay competitive enough to survive past the late 2020’s, Centaur V could end up having a highly productive life as an ACES tug into the 2030’s and beyond.

]]> By: Rose https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/boeing-to-do-second-unmanned-test-flight-of-starliner/#comment-1078699 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 04:42:30 +0000 https://behindtheblack.com/?p=64764#comment-1078699 Captain Emeritus, Uncle Tony (with help from cousin Jeff) is working hard to grant your first wish, but is doubling down on your second concern. The September (though the Wuhan bat plague may postpone it as it has with other Space Force launches) launch of NROL-101 will be the debut use of the GEM-63 on the Atlas V, in advance of the GEM-63XL’s use on the Vulcan.

]]> By: Captain Emeritus https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/boeing-to-do-second-unmanned-test-flight-of-starliner/#comment-1078693 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 02:31:52 +0000 https://behindtheblack.com/?p=64764#comment-1078693 Good idea.
Now, get rid of those Russian motors and the bottle rocket boosters.

]]> By: sippin_bourbon https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/boeing-to-do-second-unmanned-test-flight-of-starliner/#comment-1078655 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 14:12:16 +0000 https://behindtheblack.com/?p=64764#comment-1078655 I like this decision. I think they realize they need to take a few extra steps to inspire the proper confidence in their product.

]]> By: Richard M https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/boeing-to-do-second-unmanned-test-flight-of-starliner/#comment-1078653 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 12:18:21 +0000 https://behindtheblack.com/?p=64764#comment-1078653 Should have a been a no-brainer, obviously.

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