So i finish the 1980s of the TL
the TL goes in Hibernations, I have to prepare the 1990s part of TL
the TL goes in Hibernations, I have to prepare the 1990s part of TL
2001: A Space-Time Odyssey - Solo Mission
- Thread starter Michel Van
- Start date
Imielin
Great!
What happened to the Polish thermonuclear program?
Sylwester Kaliski - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
https://www.polskieradio.pl/39/156/...tarza-i-tajemnicza-smierc-genialnego-naukowca (in Polish, by the Polish state radio)
During my service at the Military University of Technology, I watched Gen. Kaliski's research and theoretically, if the work were intensified and more funds were invested, it would be possible to obtain a pure thermonuclear weapon. It wouldn't be stable enough to build a power plant, but some kind of weapon for sure.
However, it would be years of research, and where are any elements of the nuclear triad.
Hey,@Michel Van ,was there ever a variant of 2001:ASTO where Al Shepard died during a Mercury mission? I swear on Lincoln’s Tomb I remember reading such a chapter but now I can’t find it.
yep in First version that use UR-700 to get to Moon
timelines:first_version_is_in_this_submenu [alternatehistory.com wiki]
www.alternatehistory.com
The final Mercury post refers to his mission returning safely. Maybe SpaceGeek edited it?yep in First version that use UR-700 to get to Moon
timelines:first_version_is_in_this_submenu [alternatehistory.com wiki]
yes, your right, he edit it after criticism on TL and special that Post, we restart with version 2
Original i planed to Post the TL 1990s end November.
Sadly a friend of my died suddenly and his family ask me to help them.
This had top priority for moment
I have no idea wenn i resume the TL
Sadly a friend of my died suddenly and his family ask me to help them.
This had top priority for moment
I have no idea wenn i resume the TL
Coming soon on this Forum...
... 2001 a Space Time Odyssey Solo mission - the 1990s
... 2001 a Space Time Odyssey Solo mission - the 1990s
I take it you’re referring to the “National Council for Astronautics” dealie that Floyd worked for - I saw it as an FAA-style governing and advising body like OTL’s National Space Council. There are a few references in 2001 and 2010 both to NASA still being A Thing.
The TL four part is ready
On Launch Pad and all system Green
Countdown is running
T-24 Hours until Lift-off !
On Launch Pad and all system Green
Countdown is running
T-24 Hours until Lift-off !
Post 62: The begin of 1990s
President Bush face allot challenge during his Presidency.
Next rivalry with Bob Dole about conservative and Progressive matter, happen The Gulf War, The shift in the Cold War,
the creation of European Union, the expanded Space Race.
The 1991 Gulf War started as Saddam Hussein gave order to Invade Kuwait, was he consider as renegade Province from Iraq.
Do rising Oil prise and threat Iraq formed for Middle East, soon a coalitions was form, its member:
USA, Great Britain, France, West Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Iran
This was last war were the B-52 was used for carpet bombing.
The US military were surprised about effectiveness of there weapon systems, like AH-56 combat helicopter and it Anti Tank-missiles.
For Soviets military it was harsh wake up call, there military doctrine failed miserably with Iraq army, the coalition just annihilating them,
More painful was that Iran getting the upper hand and marching into Iraq to settle old scores with Iraq Government and Hussein clan.
In end Iraq simply collapsed, in north the Kurds declare their own Free state, in the east occupied by Iranians and the South by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Kuwait annexed the Iran province of Basrah as compensation for Invasion, While Iran junta expanded west and annexed Iraq Territory with Shia Arab majority.
The US first opposed the division of Iraq, but not wanted dispute with Iran, needed Allie against China in Afghanistan.
Very bad surprise was discovery of Atomic bombs prototype, a U.N. investigation show the bombs were simple implosion devices, unable to produce nuclear fission.
had Iraqis had more time they could have build functional Atomic bomb.
Sweden introduce Saab Supersonic Bomber increasing their deterrence.
North Korea successful tested there own Atom-bomb, after Yugoslavia successful nuclear test.
France became a Neutral state under Mitterand with close Economic ties with European Nations and USSR
1992 happen the Germans Union, after three years negotiations the west German Federal Government and East Communist Government,
Sign a Treaty were both states form a Confederation, that respect both Government and constitution, form Economic union and Aid.
The USA, USSR, Great Britain and France look very critical on this development,
While smaller European states look at their big brothers (USA or USSR) as Allies, in case Germany become a Warmonger again.
1992 was also creation of European Union, a coalition of European States that forme Economic and Finance Union and join infrastructure.
What makes the EU so remarkable was joining of East Europeans States !
The USSR allow this to have additional boost for their own economy that fully recover from 1980s crisis, thanks Gorbachev economic Reform.
Under General Sectary Gorbachev happen radical changes for USSR, in fact the Soviet economy was catching up with US economy !
Also a end of Cold war between USA and USSR, much to chagrin of the Hardliners on both sides,
Both side used the chance to reduce there costly Nuclear arsenal
But does’t mean a friendly relations between USA and USSR, both protected their interest in sphere of Influence,
They just not longer aim they’re ICBM on each other !
in 1992 Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova became the first Woman as Central Sectary of Politburo.
But Communist Party face new problem, the Oligarchs a new group of ultra rich Soviets, what was contradictory to every Communist manifest.
In China the leader Ye Qun health start to decline
While powers struggle happen between Her son Lin Liguo and her daughter Lin Liheng, He a high rang Air Force Marshall, She a high rang Politburo Member in Communist party.
This dispute was not only leadership, but also was way to go: pure Communism or water down Communism of Soviets ?
The Cold War shifted now towards USA & USSR vs China
Henry Kissinger on current Political situation:
That China became International Problem was obvious.
We have Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand Canal issue, Nord Korea, Nicaragua, Angola, Burma, Afghanistan and now Pakistan.
it was matter of time that Iran and India look for Allies and choose the USA, after China installed Nuclear Weapons in Pakistan.
Lucky for us were the Soviets, intelligent to realised that Cold War was contra productive and Gorbachev proposed to normalised the Relations between USA and USSR.
So we could focus more on the Chinese problem…
Notes:
Taiwan, China People Republic lay claim on this Island.
Hong Kong is territory and Macau a Portuguese territory on main land China claimed by Communist Party.
Thailand Canal issue, China use nuclear bombs to build this channel, so their battle fleet can access faster the India ocean.
Nord Korea, it seems China help them in Nuclear program, unclear how and on what.
Nicaragua, Angola here support Cuba & China, the local communist.
Burma is puppet state were their generals junta follow order from Beijing.
Afghanistan here Communist leader ask China for help and support in their civil war, what follow was Occupation Afghanistan by China People Army.
with a brutal crack down of opposition in Afghanistan by ethnic cleansing on level of genocide !
The government of Pakistan helps the Chinese, in exchange for nuclear Weapons against India and Iran.
This let to Iran nuclear weapon Program.
President Bush face allot challenge during his Presidency.
Next rivalry with Bob Dole about conservative and Progressive matter, happen The Gulf War, The shift in the Cold War,
the creation of European Union, the expanded Space Race.
The 1991 Gulf War started as Saddam Hussein gave order to Invade Kuwait, was he consider as renegade Province from Iraq.
Do rising Oil prise and threat Iraq formed for Middle East, soon a coalitions was form, its member:
USA, Great Britain, France, West Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Iran
This was last war were the B-52 was used for carpet bombing.
The US military were surprised about effectiveness of there weapon systems, like AH-56 combat helicopter and it Anti Tank-missiles.
For Soviets military it was harsh wake up call, there military doctrine failed miserably with Iraq army, the coalition just annihilating them,
More painful was that Iran getting the upper hand and marching into Iraq to settle old scores with Iraq Government and Hussein clan.
In end Iraq simply collapsed, in north the Kurds declare their own Free state, in the east occupied by Iranians and the South by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Kuwait annexed the Iran province of Basrah as compensation for Invasion, While Iran junta expanded west and annexed Iraq Territory with Shia Arab majority.
The US first opposed the division of Iraq, but not wanted dispute with Iran, needed Allie against China in Afghanistan.
Very bad surprise was discovery of Atomic bombs prototype, a U.N. investigation show the bombs were simple implosion devices, unable to produce nuclear fission.
had Iraqis had more time they could have build functional Atomic bomb.
Sweden introduce Saab Supersonic Bomber increasing their deterrence.
North Korea successful tested there own Atom-bomb, after Yugoslavia successful nuclear test.
France became a Neutral state under Mitterand with close Economic ties with European Nations and USSR
1992 happen the Germans Union, after three years negotiations the west German Federal Government and East Communist Government,
Sign a Treaty were both states form a Confederation, that respect both Government and constitution, form Economic union and Aid.
The USA, USSR, Great Britain and France look very critical on this development,
While smaller European states look at their big brothers (USA or USSR) as Allies, in case Germany become a Warmonger again.
1992 was also creation of European Union, a coalition of European States that forme Economic and Finance Union and join infrastructure.
What makes the EU so remarkable was joining of East Europeans States !
The USSR allow this to have additional boost for their own economy that fully recover from 1980s crisis, thanks Gorbachev economic Reform.
Under General Sectary Gorbachev happen radical changes for USSR, in fact the Soviet economy was catching up with US economy !
Also a end of Cold war between USA and USSR, much to chagrin of the Hardliners on both sides,
Both side used the chance to reduce there costly Nuclear arsenal
But does’t mean a friendly relations between USA and USSR, both protected their interest in sphere of Influence,
They just not longer aim they’re ICBM on each other !
in 1992 Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova became the first Woman as Central Sectary of Politburo.
But Communist Party face new problem, the Oligarchs a new group of ultra rich Soviets, what was contradictory to every Communist manifest.
In China the leader Ye Qun health start to decline
While powers struggle happen between Her son Lin Liguo and her daughter Lin Liheng, He a high rang Air Force Marshall, She a high rang Politburo Member in Communist party.
This dispute was not only leadership, but also was way to go: pure Communism or water down Communism of Soviets ?
The Cold War shifted now towards USA & USSR vs China
Henry Kissinger on current Political situation:
That China became International Problem was obvious.
We have Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand Canal issue, Nord Korea, Nicaragua, Angola, Burma, Afghanistan and now Pakistan.
it was matter of time that Iran and India look for Allies and choose the USA, after China installed Nuclear Weapons in Pakistan.
Lucky for us were the Soviets, intelligent to realised that Cold War was contra productive and Gorbachev proposed to normalised the Relations between USA and USSR.
So we could focus more on the Chinese problem…
Notes:
Taiwan, China People Republic lay claim on this Island.
Hong Kong is territory and Macau a Portuguese territory on main land China claimed by Communist Party.
Thailand Canal issue, China use nuclear bombs to build this channel, so their battle fleet can access faster the India ocean.
Nord Korea, it seems China help them in Nuclear program, unclear how and on what.
Nicaragua, Angola here support Cuba & China, the local communist.
Burma is puppet state were their generals junta follow order from Beijing.
Afghanistan here Communist leader ask China for help and support in their civil war, what follow was Occupation Afghanistan by China People Army.
with a brutal crack down of opposition in Afghanistan by ethnic cleansing on level of genocide !
The government of Pakistan helps the Chinese, in exchange for nuclear Weapons against India and Iran.
This let to Iran nuclear weapon Program.
Post 63 Greater vision of Space
The President Bush wanted a more lasting US Space Program, Nixon Odyssey Program show clearly that long term programs work.
He appointed a new NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin
But Bush had to face also the USAF and General Adlon, they had launch and teste Hercules 2 and installed USAF Station in GEO,
Space Station Bold-Eagle
in 1990 ended Era, USA third Space Station Skybase original planned for 15 years ended after 11.
The 1989 Fire in laboratory seal its faith, in autumn 1990, the Station was vacated and de-orbited into the Pacific with the aid of Space Tugs.
An obsolete (unmanned) Earth Survey Platform was also brought down with the station, Follow by Skylab-5 station.
At Capitol Hill came question how successor, since Soviets still operate MIR and put two Space Factory in space.
Now was moment of USAF and General Adlon, on Launch Pad 39 stand Saturn VC with first module of Space Station IV „Bold-Eagle“
But it had quite different destination, instead low orbit Eagle was deployed in Geostationary orbit by Nuclear Ferry !
Official a USAF operated Space Station in GEO to support and maintain USA satellite there, had additional secrets purpose:
One to defend US Satellite in GEO, also serve as Emergency Commando Center in case of Nuclear War.
ESRO was not happy with this development, since Eagle had sectors were civilians access was forbidden,
and number of ESRO astronauts was reduce to one Person on board.
Formal Protest let to threat by General Adlon, not to allow any civilians on Eagle, were USAF had all the rights.
The Moonlab (Space Station IIIb) was not alternative, since it crew is limited and focus on Moon Exploration.
also that NASA put experiment from Skybase to Moonlab reduceing available space for ESRO.
ESRO admitted tooth-cracking to the situation and look into option for Europan Manned Space Station.
Bold-Eagle consist out three Module:
1. Main Mission Module for Military purpose
2. Lab and Habitat Module with access for civilian (NASA and ESRO)
3. Hangar module to maintain Satellites with docks for Space Tugs (Modified hangar for Manned Exploration Module of ARES program)
Various Application and Science Modules (ASM) so the official story
Half of them were Weapon container with Anti Satellite system, the rest special Communication system in case of War.
Only at Habitat Module were real ASM docked.
Powert by six solar array with total 75 kWe
Crew was 12 persons with option for 6 additional persons for short period.
For radiation issue the Modules are shielded, special the central Tunnel (based on the ARES mission Module)
Bold-Eagle operated until 2005 as the Emergency Commando Center was move to new location beyond Earth.
US Space Program Next Steps
The Space Task Group (STG) under President Bush worked on proposals and grand design emerge:
New Space Station 5 „Olympus“ (space base) installed at 28° low earth orbit and serve a new Space Architecture:
The „Olympus“ serve the traffic hub to Moon and a Surface Base, what has to replace ageing Moonlab from Diana Program after 1996.
Also „Olympus“ serve the stored Ares spaceships for upcoming Mars Missions and potential Mars Base.
Another thing was Ageing Space Shuttle fleet, the Orbiters and boosters will reach there end of lifespan in end 1990s
At NASA was dispute how to replace the Shuttle with advance system like Single Stage To Orbit ?
In the end, successor was modernised version of Saturn Shuttle were the first stage was compete automated, with engines modified for lower maintaining cost.
incorporating new materials like composite materials or new Aluminum alloy and super cooled propellants would increase the Payloads.
Also replace the improved Shuttle, the Saturn Vc, by launching also S-IID stages for heavy cargo on winged Booster.
Launch complex 39 would be extended to four pad ( Pad C was build for Ares missions begin 1980s)
One proposal by STG got Presidents attention: Commercialisation of US Space Flight.
With success of European ELGO GmbH, British MUSTARD and US Space Shuttle,
STG was convince that USA should allow private companies access to Space, either by NASA or own hardware !
Even NASA and DoD show interest to replace smaller launcher like Scout or Delta by reusable US launcher.
Special with current Soviets Space activity (see below) and option of private US companies producing products in Space.
Capitol Hill voted for Commercialisation of US Space Flight bill, not knowing what it unleash…
But in the next Big Step in space flight the STG proposed a bolt Move:
Temporal Mars Base were crew would stay for 600 days and manned flights to Jupiter and Saturn !
It was logical step after Mars, but Jupiter was twice and Saturn four times further as Mars, also has Jupiter a dangerous and deadly radiation belt,
While Saturn radiation belt was less Deadly but also dangerous.
STG look for manned Jupiter Fly-by in 2010, follow Saturn orbit and visit to moon Titan on end 2010 decade.
but this needed high energy rocket engine, more powerful as upcoming Timberwind nuclear Engine.
Capitol Hill was not happy with those plans, but since Soviet union still operate the biggest Space station ever launch and put two Industrial Complex in low Orbit.
The US politicians voted for Program for „Olympus“ and small Moon Base, additional 3 Mars Mission. mostly in self-interest, more money for there States !
However on Temporal Mars Base, manned Jupiter and Saturn Mission was Capitol Hill very hostile.
While other in Capitol Hill went in other extrem, like Newt Gingrich who proposed USA colonising Moon and Mars…
President Bush establish the National Council for Astronautics, out the National Space Council and Space Task Group.
A office for policy development and handling of Civilian, Military and Commercial space policy matters,
Composed of cabinet member (like secretary of Defence, commerce, treasury, economics, Transport and others) and Advisors (formerly from STG)
Meanwhile In Moscow.
Things had change in Soviet Space Industry
The Ministry of Space got new Name: SOVCOSMOS
Valentin Petrovich Gluschko died age 80 in 1989, he was pioneer in design of rocket engines.
His OKB 456 was taken over by NPO Kuznetsov the main rocket engines manufacture.
While certain Vladimir Nikolayevich Chelomey died in car accident in Ukraine, he was head of former OKB-52,
Sergei Khrushchev became Minister of Space and head off SOVCOSMOS
His OKB-1 renamed TsKBEM, became now NPO Korolev under chief designer Yuriy Semenov.
But there were problems: the Oligarchs.
This contradictory rise of superrich in communist state,
Several meddle in Space Program, like hostile take over of NPOs
some of them were finance and build own launch system outside Ministry of Space program.
Offering this for commercial use like Space-tourist or access to Soviet Space Stations, some of project are reusable launcher.
Minister Khrushchev was in dilemma, forbid those Oligarch endeavours or integrate them into Soviet Space Program ?
One proposal is direct competitor to N1 N2 launcher, The Energia modular launcher by RRK Kurdin, and Angara medium launch vehicles by NPO Electropribor,
Khrushchev made a judgment of Solomon, he integrate the smaller launchers into Soviet program covering smaller payload.
But he left the bigger launcher programs work on their own finance, only give place to build launch pad at cosmodromes.
This was in self interest, since Angara and Energia were competitor for NPO Korolev,
Khrushchev hope the Oligarchs behind those projects, would run out money or lost interest in it.
Sadly the Politbüro and Military had other ideas, since NPO Korolev and RRK Kurdin would together provide double payload capacity into space !
In Moscow the next phase of Galactika was Discuss.
After they launch two Orbital factory, one for semiconductor crystals and one for metal alloys, (both maintain from Mir Space Station)
Minister of Space Sergei Khrushchev presented proposals to Politburo,
On Top of list is Moon base, favour by Red Army, for needed Military applications.
Additional manned Mars missions in 1990s, the option for manned Jupiter mission were study.
General Sectary Gorbachev was not so fun about the manned Jupiter mission,
That changes radical in 1992, as Tereshkova became his successor, She was first woman in Space and she favour the manned Jupiter mission !
And SOVCOSMOS got direct order from her, to create a female Cosmonaut group…
The President Bush wanted a more lasting US Space Program, Nixon Odyssey Program show clearly that long term programs work.
He appointed a new NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin
But Bush had to face also the USAF and General Adlon, they had launch and teste Hercules 2 and installed USAF Station in GEO,
Space Station Bold-Eagle
in 1990 ended Era, USA third Space Station Skybase original planned for 15 years ended after 11.
The 1989 Fire in laboratory seal its faith, in autumn 1990, the Station was vacated and de-orbited into the Pacific with the aid of Space Tugs.
An obsolete (unmanned) Earth Survey Platform was also brought down with the station, Follow by Skylab-5 station.
At Capitol Hill came question how successor, since Soviets still operate MIR and put two Space Factory in space.
Now was moment of USAF and General Adlon, on Launch Pad 39 stand Saturn VC with first module of Space Station IV „Bold-Eagle“
But it had quite different destination, instead low orbit Eagle was deployed in Geostationary orbit by Nuclear Ferry !
Official a USAF operated Space Station in GEO to support and maintain USA satellite there, had additional secrets purpose:
One to defend US Satellite in GEO, also serve as Emergency Commando Center in case of Nuclear War.
ESRO was not happy with this development, since Eagle had sectors were civilians access was forbidden,
and number of ESRO astronauts was reduce to one Person on board.
Formal Protest let to threat by General Adlon, not to allow any civilians on Eagle, were USAF had all the rights.
The Moonlab (Space Station IIIb) was not alternative, since it crew is limited and focus on Moon Exploration.
also that NASA put experiment from Skybase to Moonlab reduceing available space for ESRO.
ESRO admitted tooth-cracking to the situation and look into option for Europan Manned Space Station.
Bold-Eagle consist out three Module:
1. Main Mission Module for Military purpose
2. Lab and Habitat Module with access for civilian (NASA and ESRO)
3. Hangar module to maintain Satellites with docks for Space Tugs (Modified hangar for Manned Exploration Module of ARES program)
Various Application and Science Modules (ASM) so the official story
Half of them were Weapon container with Anti Satellite system, the rest special Communication system in case of War.
Only at Habitat Module were real ASM docked.
Powert by six solar array with total 75 kWe
Crew was 12 persons with option for 6 additional persons for short period.
For radiation issue the Modules are shielded, special the central Tunnel (based on the ARES mission Module)
Bold-Eagle operated until 2005 as the Emergency Commando Center was move to new location beyond Earth.
US Space Program Next Steps
The Space Task Group (STG) under President Bush worked on proposals and grand design emerge:
New Space Station 5 „Olympus“ (space base) installed at 28° low earth orbit and serve a new Space Architecture:
The „Olympus“ serve the traffic hub to Moon and a Surface Base, what has to replace ageing Moonlab from Diana Program after 1996.
Also „Olympus“ serve the stored Ares spaceships for upcoming Mars Missions and potential Mars Base.
Another thing was Ageing Space Shuttle fleet, the Orbiters and boosters will reach there end of lifespan in end 1990s
At NASA was dispute how to replace the Shuttle with advance system like Single Stage To Orbit ?
In the end, successor was modernised version of Saturn Shuttle were the first stage was compete automated, with engines modified for lower maintaining cost.
incorporating new materials like composite materials or new Aluminum alloy and super cooled propellants would increase the Payloads.
Also replace the improved Shuttle, the Saturn Vc, by launching also S-IID stages for heavy cargo on winged Booster.
Launch complex 39 would be extended to four pad ( Pad C was build for Ares missions begin 1980s)
One proposal by STG got Presidents attention: Commercialisation of US Space Flight.
With success of European ELGO GmbH, British MUSTARD and US Space Shuttle,
STG was convince that USA should allow private companies access to Space, either by NASA or own hardware !
Even NASA and DoD show interest to replace smaller launcher like Scout or Delta by reusable US launcher.
Special with current Soviets Space activity (see below) and option of private US companies producing products in Space.
Capitol Hill voted for Commercialisation of US Space Flight bill, not knowing what it unleash…
But in the next Big Step in space flight the STG proposed a bolt Move:
Temporal Mars Base were crew would stay for 600 days and manned flights to Jupiter and Saturn !
It was logical step after Mars, but Jupiter was twice and Saturn four times further as Mars, also has Jupiter a dangerous and deadly radiation belt,
While Saturn radiation belt was less Deadly but also dangerous.
STG look for manned Jupiter Fly-by in 2010, follow Saturn orbit and visit to moon Titan on end 2010 decade.
but this needed high energy rocket engine, more powerful as upcoming Timberwind nuclear Engine.
Capitol Hill was not happy with those plans, but since Soviet union still operate the biggest Space station ever launch and put two Industrial Complex in low Orbit.
The US politicians voted for Program for „Olympus“ and small Moon Base, additional 3 Mars Mission. mostly in self-interest, more money for there States !
However on Temporal Mars Base, manned Jupiter and Saturn Mission was Capitol Hill very hostile.
While other in Capitol Hill went in other extrem, like Newt Gingrich who proposed USA colonising Moon and Mars…
President Bush establish the National Council for Astronautics, out the National Space Council and Space Task Group.
A office for policy development and handling of Civilian, Military and Commercial space policy matters,
Composed of cabinet member (like secretary of Defence, commerce, treasury, economics, Transport and others) and Advisors (formerly from STG)
Meanwhile In Moscow.
Things had change in Soviet Space Industry
The Ministry of Space got new Name: SOVCOSMOS
Valentin Petrovich Gluschko died age 80 in 1989, he was pioneer in design of rocket engines.
His OKB 456 was taken over by NPO Kuznetsov the main rocket engines manufacture.
While certain Vladimir Nikolayevich Chelomey died in car accident in Ukraine, he was head of former OKB-52,
Sergei Khrushchev became Minister of Space and head off SOVCOSMOS
His OKB-1 renamed TsKBEM, became now NPO Korolev under chief designer Yuriy Semenov.
But there were problems: the Oligarchs.
This contradictory rise of superrich in communist state,
Several meddle in Space Program, like hostile take over of NPOs
some of them were finance and build own launch system outside Ministry of Space program.
Offering this for commercial use like Space-tourist or access to Soviet Space Stations, some of project are reusable launcher.
Minister Khrushchev was in dilemma, forbid those Oligarch endeavours or integrate them into Soviet Space Program ?
One proposal is direct competitor to N1 N2 launcher, The Energia modular launcher by RRK Kurdin, and Angara medium launch vehicles by NPO Electropribor,
Khrushchev made a judgment of Solomon, he integrate the smaller launchers into Soviet program covering smaller payload.
But he left the bigger launcher programs work on their own finance, only give place to build launch pad at cosmodromes.
This was in self interest, since Angara and Energia were competitor for NPO Korolev,
Khrushchev hope the Oligarchs behind those projects, would run out money or lost interest in it.
Sadly the Politbüro and Military had other ideas, since NPO Korolev and RRK Kurdin would together provide double payload capacity into space !
In Moscow the next phase of Galactika was Discuss.
After they launch two Orbital factory, one for semiconductor crystals and one for metal alloys, (both maintain from Mir Space Station)
Minister of Space Sergei Khrushchev presented proposals to Politburo,
On Top of list is Moon base, favour by Red Army, for needed Military applications.
Additional manned Mars missions in 1990s, the option for manned Jupiter mission were study.
General Sectary Gorbachev was not so fun about the manned Jupiter mission,
That changes radical in 1992, as Tereshkova became his successor, She was first woman in Space and she favour the manned Jupiter mission !
And SOVCOSMOS got direct order from her, to create a female Cosmonaut group…
Post 64 The next manned Marsmissions.
With Successful Missions of Ares 1&2, NASA was no resting on their merits.
The USS Valley Forge and USS Lexington were completely overhauled in orbit. during 1990
There empty MEM hangar were equipped with New MEM’s and new Experiment and Probes
Needed Hydrogen and new Nerva engines were launch into orbit
The crew for Ares 3 are: John Oliver Creighton, Kenneth S. Reightler Jr., Charles D. Gemar, James Buchli, Mark N. Brown and Sonny Carter.
For Ares 4 were: Frederick D. Gregory, Ternece T Henderiks, James S. Voss, Story Musgrave, Mario Runco Jr., Thomas J Hemmen and Michael Foale.
On 12 September 1991. Ares 3&4 were launch to Mars for 600 days mission with Venus Swing-by.
Target was Kasei Vallis with two landing sites each 16 km distance.
Both orbiter were equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar to scann Mars and Venus surface
The Soviets launch Aelita-2 spacecraft to Mars, with new generation of Ion engine that used Hall Effect.
Crew: Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Volkov, Sergei Konstantinovich Krikalev, Musa Manarov and geophysicist Sergey Aphanasievich Zimov.
There landing site was Meridiani Planum close as possible to Marshochod 1 rover,
Main goal was geological samples and part of Marshochod 1 rover, to study how hardware is affected after 15 years expose to Mars environment.
Therefore Aelita-2 had also automatic cargo lander with rover and drill-rig on board.
After arrival in Mars Orbit the cargo landed as planned near Marshochd 5
MPK Pilot Volkov manage to land 123 meter from cargo lander, before Americans touch down on their targets.
Over coming days, the two cosmonauts deploying the rover, erect the drill-rig and installed surface science package.
Zimov and Volkov manage to get ground samples from 3 meter under surface, until drill stuck.
Follow by several drives in Rover up to 20 km from the lander, Including visit to Marshochod 1 rover.
Also recovery Samples from Marshochd 5 and 6, who broke record long distance exploration of 50 km over 2 years.
In mean time Manarov and Krikalev scanned the Mars Surface from Aeltia-2
Both US MEM manage get down safe despite the rough terrain of Kasei Vallis
Also were they visit by Unmanned rover that collected samples up to 20 km away from landing sites.
The second rover failed to reach them as it got stuck in rough terrain, too far for Ares 4 crew to reach it.
On return trip made Ares 3&4 used Venus gravity to shorten return trip,
Before Venus fly by they release series of probes and scan parts of surface with Synthetic Aperture Radar.
the Crews arrive safe on Earth after 600 days in space.
The Soviet mission brought intriguing geological results from Meridiani Planum
The landing site was long time ago a seafloor of shallow ocean, the soil is full hematite and unusual high content of sulphates and phosphates.
The crew found layers sediments and burns cliff of former water erosion,
Final confirmation that Meridiani Planum was seafloor, was Zimov discovery of Phyllosilicats a mineral that needed liquid water to form !
Zimov wrote a book over his findings, today the standard work on Mars geology.
Ares 3&4 finding confirm that Kassel Valles are outflow channels, created by liquid water some 1.5 billions years ago.
Next hematite they found also sulphates but lower level as what Cosmonauts found
The seismic experiments package from Ares 1 to 4 and Aeltia 1 to 2. gave now better in-view of Mars interior.
The Mars crust with 24 to 72 km is thinner as expected by geologist.
Mars core is 1840 km or half the sizes of Earth core, consisting of lighter elements.
This could explain why magnetic field of the planet is so weak.
Not only they measure hundreds of „Marsquakes“, but also meteorite impacts on the planet !
Biggest Discovery was by Synthetic Aperture Radar Ares 3&4 found water ice under surface of Mars !
Not only was Mars once wet World, the water was still there in frozen form.
On Venus, the Ares probes made strange discovery, they detected in upper Atmosphere Phosphine.
This is quite unusual since, there is no know chemical process in Venus atmosphere, that explain the presents of Phosphine.
On Earth its part of global phosphorus biochemical cycle, but on Venus are no biochemical cycle, or is here some form of life in Atmosphere ?
With Successful Missions of Ares 1&2, NASA was no resting on their merits.
The USS Valley Forge and USS Lexington were completely overhauled in orbit. during 1990
There empty MEM hangar were equipped with New MEM’s and new Experiment and Probes
Needed Hydrogen and new Nerva engines were launch into orbit
The crew for Ares 3 are: John Oliver Creighton, Kenneth S. Reightler Jr., Charles D. Gemar, James Buchli, Mark N. Brown and Sonny Carter.
For Ares 4 were: Frederick D. Gregory, Ternece T Henderiks, James S. Voss, Story Musgrave, Mario Runco Jr., Thomas J Hemmen and Michael Foale.
On 12 September 1991. Ares 3&4 were launch to Mars for 600 days mission with Venus Swing-by.
Target was Kasei Vallis with two landing sites each 16 km distance.
Both orbiter were equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar to scann Mars and Venus surface
The Soviets launch Aelita-2 spacecraft to Mars, with new generation of Ion engine that used Hall Effect.
Crew: Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Volkov, Sergei Konstantinovich Krikalev, Musa Manarov and geophysicist Sergey Aphanasievich Zimov.
There landing site was Meridiani Planum close as possible to Marshochod 1 rover,
Main goal was geological samples and part of Marshochod 1 rover, to study how hardware is affected after 15 years expose to Mars environment.
Therefore Aelita-2 had also automatic cargo lander with rover and drill-rig on board.
After arrival in Mars Orbit the cargo landed as planned near Marshochd 5
MPK Pilot Volkov manage to land 123 meter from cargo lander, before Americans touch down on their targets.
Over coming days, the two cosmonauts deploying the rover, erect the drill-rig and installed surface science package.
Zimov and Volkov manage to get ground samples from 3 meter under surface, until drill stuck.
Follow by several drives in Rover up to 20 km from the lander, Including visit to Marshochod 1 rover.
Also recovery Samples from Marshochd 5 and 6, who broke record long distance exploration of 50 km over 2 years.
In mean time Manarov and Krikalev scanned the Mars Surface from Aeltia-2
Both US MEM manage get down safe despite the rough terrain of Kasei Vallis
Also were they visit by Unmanned rover that collected samples up to 20 km away from landing sites.
The second rover failed to reach them as it got stuck in rough terrain, too far for Ares 4 crew to reach it.
On return trip made Ares 3&4 used Venus gravity to shorten return trip,
Before Venus fly by they release series of probes and scan parts of surface with Synthetic Aperture Radar.
the Crews arrive safe on Earth after 600 days in space.
The Soviet mission brought intriguing geological results from Meridiani Planum
The landing site was long time ago a seafloor of shallow ocean, the soil is full hematite and unusual high content of sulphates and phosphates.
The crew found layers sediments and burns cliff of former water erosion,
Final confirmation that Meridiani Planum was seafloor, was Zimov discovery of Phyllosilicats a mineral that needed liquid water to form !
Zimov wrote a book over his findings, today the standard work on Mars geology.
Ares 3&4 finding confirm that Kassel Valles are outflow channels, created by liquid water some 1.5 billions years ago.
Next hematite they found also sulphates but lower level as what Cosmonauts found
The seismic experiments package from Ares 1 to 4 and Aeltia 1 to 2. gave now better in-view of Mars interior.
The Mars crust with 24 to 72 km is thinner as expected by geologist.
Mars core is 1840 km or half the sizes of Earth core, consisting of lighter elements.
This could explain why magnetic field of the planet is so weak.
Not only they measure hundreds of „Marsquakes“, but also meteorite impacts on the planet !
Biggest Discovery was by Synthetic Aperture Radar Ares 3&4 found water ice under surface of Mars !
Not only was Mars once wet World, the water was still there in frozen form.
On Venus, the Ares probes made strange discovery, they detected in upper Atmosphere Phosphine.
This is quite unusual since, there is no know chemical process in Venus atmosphere, that explain the presents of Phosphine.
On Earth its part of global phosphorus biochemical cycle, but on Venus are no biochemical cycle, or is here some form of life in Atmosphere ?
Post 65 The Wind is changing
The Saturn Shuttle proofed it can lower Launch cost drastic compare to throwaway rockets.
with new Shuttle fleet would operate even Cheaper, dropping launch cost under current $2700/Kg
Also ELGO-A rocket, a cheap reusable Launcher, thanks its robust construction, but ELGO GmbH looking into reuse ob new rocket under ELGO-X.
While British BAE MUSTARD start Service promising cheaper space flight. and India and Japan look into reuse of their Launch rocket.
This put pressure on Competition, who build expensive throwaway rockets: Martin Marietta Titan, McDonnell Douglas Delta and General Dynamic Atlas.
Since the Shuttle launch, those companies loosing clients and Payload, special USAF what use intensive the Shuttle.
McDonnell Douglas and General Dynamic contract with NASA program compensate their losses.
But worst was for Martin Marietta with Titan III rockets during 1980s and start looking for Solution to their problem.
Several options were study, extrem low cost pressure fed Rocket, reusable with parachutes and Airbags, like ELGO A rocket only Bigger.
Other is reusable winged first stage based on Titan III hardware, but it engine burn Kerolox instead toxic fuel.
not new, the original engines of Titan used Kerolox under Titan I ICBM.
Another idea was todo ballistic reuse first stage and land rocket on Ship or platform on sea or near Launch site.
UA proposed clustered Solid booster as first stage who return on parachute, land in ocean and be reused.
But question raise how to reach GEO without raising cost ? Martin look into option and found easy solution: NASA SpaceTugs !
Their low cost launcher would bring payload in Low orbit, were Space Tug take it and bring to Geostationary Orbit.
But there was catch the Tugs belong to NASA, but Grumman was willing to do Join Venture with Martin for reusable rocket, what let later to Grumman-Martin corp.
and build Tug special for this Task, resupply by Martin rocket launching Hydrolox tanks into Low orbit for refuel.
Martin took the wing booster with Kerolox engines, they went also new way, by piloting the Booster return and landing by Remote control.
also winged second stage take this approach, making this full reusable Rocket,
Bush Commercialisation of US Space Flight bill, help Martin allot.
But this let to wild west situation were start up-companies began to build cheap rockets for access to low orbit,
They came to same conclusion like Martin and start to develop various Launch systems.
Allot failed like Conestoga (cluster Solid rockets) or Kistler Aerospace and Phoenix Corp. (Single Stage to Orbit).
Other like Beal Aerospace (BA rocket family), Scaled Composites (Pegasus), Turax Engineering (Excalibur) and United Technologies Corp. (reusable UA1205 cluster)
We’re successful with launching their rockets, but gain profit was another matter, it was the little details overlook, what’s make the difference.
First went bankrupt was Pegasus do higher cost launching from Aircraft, compare to far cheaper ELGO-A rocket.
Beal Aerospace ran in serious issue, due to the lack of high percentage hydrogen peroxide on the market, needed for BA rocket engines.
This limited their plans for large BA rockets and forcing to look for alternative propellants and Engines.
While Excalibur became favour for NASA and DoD as Scout and Delta replacement
The FAA and NTSB had there hands full with this new market, who soon demand for more Launch Sites, next Kennedy and Vandenberg or Wallops,
Federal states like Texas offers coast sides for those new companies, even land lock like New Mexico wanted a share of this new Market.
Their Congressmen and Senators made allot pressure in Capitol Hill toward changes in FAA and NTSB regulations in Space Flight.
The National Council for Astronautics, took action and handling the issue
From complete unexpected industry came also interest in space: Airliners !
PanAm look into option of commercial spaceflights, either Suborbital or orbital to reach their destination in 90 minute on other side of Earth or to Orbit.
They began cooperation with Aerospace companies for Suborbital tourist flights later on option for Launcher for ballistic transport.
In mean time NASA administrator Goodwin face large task, the reform NASA under goal „faster ! better ! cheaper !“
to make ready for new Commercial Market and demands form National Council for Astronautics.
special on the wild growing bureaucracy in NASA, what became serious problem.
Saturn Shuttle Phase II
In 1995 the first of new Generation Shuttles were deliver to NASA.
They look like old ones, but build from new materials like carbon-fibre composite, Aluminium-lithium.
Using subcool liquid oxygen for upgraded F-1c and J-2Sb engines.
Equip with state-of-art electronics, enable to make first stage operate full autonom, this allow Saturn Shuttle to launch unmanned Nuclear ferries.
Making the Saturn Vc obsolete, also lower program cost, do reuse of first stage, but still for Cargo flights the second stage is expendable.
NASA made studies on this and came to conclusion, that reuse of this second stage bring too much disadvantage to justification it.
ENERGIA & ALBATROS
In USSR the authorities consider mass production of N rockets as better cheaper solution, in fact they drop launch cost over years with mass production.
Special in N3 Soyuz and N2 Proton version became cheap and reliable rockets, China though in similar lines and never build reusable Rocket,
But Soviet private industry thought differently and oligarchs finance some projects, even in direct competition of N1 Luna rocket !
The biggest is modular Energia launcher by RRK Kurdin, it’s components could put together for various mission profile,
and Timofey Yakovlev Kurdin explain in media event, that Energia will be reusable and also offering a Orbiter like US Shuttle !
in record time of 5 years RRK Kurdin build and teste the Energia system.
(Energia first launch in may 1995)
Or the Sukhoi Albatros a 1974 concept, scale down and now using engines from N1 rocket, launch from modified freighter with hydrofoil,
Despite the insanity of the concept, they build Albatros, it first flight happen in 1995, preparing regular service for State and Private clients next year.
The first launch of Albatros was the media event of year, a testimony of resilient Russian and there sledgehammer approach on technical problems…
The Saturn Shuttle proofed it can lower Launch cost drastic compare to throwaway rockets.
with new Shuttle fleet would operate even Cheaper, dropping launch cost under current $2700/Kg
Also ELGO-A rocket, a cheap reusable Launcher, thanks its robust construction, but ELGO GmbH looking into reuse ob new rocket under ELGO-X.
While British BAE MUSTARD start Service promising cheaper space flight. and India and Japan look into reuse of their Launch rocket.
This put pressure on Competition, who build expensive throwaway rockets: Martin Marietta Titan, McDonnell Douglas Delta and General Dynamic Atlas.
Since the Shuttle launch, those companies loosing clients and Payload, special USAF what use intensive the Shuttle.
McDonnell Douglas and General Dynamic contract with NASA program compensate their losses.
But worst was for Martin Marietta with Titan III rockets during 1980s and start looking for Solution to their problem.
Several options were study, extrem low cost pressure fed Rocket, reusable with parachutes and Airbags, like ELGO A rocket only Bigger.
Other is reusable winged first stage based on Titan III hardware, but it engine burn Kerolox instead toxic fuel.
not new, the original engines of Titan used Kerolox under Titan I ICBM.
Another idea was todo ballistic reuse first stage and land rocket on Ship or platform on sea or near Launch site.
UA proposed clustered Solid booster as first stage who return on parachute, land in ocean and be reused.
But question raise how to reach GEO without raising cost ? Martin look into option and found easy solution: NASA SpaceTugs !
Their low cost launcher would bring payload in Low orbit, were Space Tug take it and bring to Geostationary Orbit.
But there was catch the Tugs belong to NASA, but Grumman was willing to do Join Venture with Martin for reusable rocket, what let later to Grumman-Martin corp.
and build Tug special for this Task, resupply by Martin rocket launching Hydrolox tanks into Low orbit for refuel.
Martin took the wing booster with Kerolox engines, they went also new way, by piloting the Booster return and landing by Remote control.
also winged second stage take this approach, making this full reusable Rocket,
Bush Commercialisation of US Space Flight bill, help Martin allot.
But this let to wild west situation were start up-companies began to build cheap rockets for access to low orbit,
They came to same conclusion like Martin and start to develop various Launch systems.
Allot failed like Conestoga (cluster Solid rockets) or Kistler Aerospace and Phoenix Corp. (Single Stage to Orbit).
Other like Beal Aerospace (BA rocket family), Scaled Composites (Pegasus), Turax Engineering (Excalibur) and United Technologies Corp. (reusable UA1205 cluster)
We’re successful with launching their rockets, but gain profit was another matter, it was the little details overlook, what’s make the difference.
First went bankrupt was Pegasus do higher cost launching from Aircraft, compare to far cheaper ELGO-A rocket.
Beal Aerospace ran in serious issue, due to the lack of high percentage hydrogen peroxide on the market, needed for BA rocket engines.
This limited their plans for large BA rockets and forcing to look for alternative propellants and Engines.
While Excalibur became favour for NASA and DoD as Scout and Delta replacement
The FAA and NTSB had there hands full with this new market, who soon demand for more Launch Sites, next Kennedy and Vandenberg or Wallops,
Federal states like Texas offers coast sides for those new companies, even land lock like New Mexico wanted a share of this new Market.
Their Congressmen and Senators made allot pressure in Capitol Hill toward changes in FAA and NTSB regulations in Space Flight.
The National Council for Astronautics, took action and handling the issue
From complete unexpected industry came also interest in space: Airliners !
PanAm look into option of commercial spaceflights, either Suborbital or orbital to reach their destination in 90 minute on other side of Earth or to Orbit.
They began cooperation with Aerospace companies for Suborbital tourist flights later on option for Launcher for ballistic transport.
In mean time NASA administrator Goodwin face large task, the reform NASA under goal „faster ! better ! cheaper !“
to make ready for new Commercial Market and demands form National Council for Astronautics.
special on the wild growing bureaucracy in NASA, what became serious problem.
Saturn Shuttle Phase II
In 1995 the first of new Generation Shuttles were deliver to NASA.
They look like old ones, but build from new materials like carbon-fibre composite, Aluminium-lithium.
Using subcool liquid oxygen for upgraded F-1c and J-2Sb engines.
Equip with state-of-art electronics, enable to make first stage operate full autonom, this allow Saturn Shuttle to launch unmanned Nuclear ferries.
Making the Saturn Vc obsolete, also lower program cost, do reuse of first stage, but still for Cargo flights the second stage is expendable.
NASA made studies on this and came to conclusion, that reuse of this second stage bring too much disadvantage to justification it.
ENERGIA & ALBATROS
In USSR the authorities consider mass production of N rockets as better cheaper solution, in fact they drop launch cost over years with mass production.
Special in N3 Soyuz and N2 Proton version became cheap and reliable rockets, China though in similar lines and never build reusable Rocket,
But Soviet private industry thought differently and oligarchs finance some projects, even in direct competition of N1 Luna rocket !
The biggest is modular Energia launcher by RRK Kurdin, it’s components could put together for various mission profile,
and Timofey Yakovlev Kurdin explain in media event, that Energia will be reusable and also offering a Orbiter like US Shuttle !
in record time of 5 years RRK Kurdin build and teste the Energia system.
Or the Sukhoi Albatros a 1974 concept, scale down and now using engines from N1 rocket, launch from modified freighter with hydrofoil,
Despite the insanity of the concept, they build Albatros, it first flight happen in 1995, preparing regular service for State and Private clients next year.
The first launch of Albatros was the media event of year, a testimony of resilient Russian and there sledgehammer approach on technical problems…
Post 66 European Space Program in 1990s
With creation of of European Union (EU) change allot for European Space Research Organisation in 1992
By majority vote by the politicians, ESRO became Europan Ministry with stable budget, with the British Jason Webb as new Director.
They gain allot of Money and additional research program and finally they would do serious programs with their allies ELGO GmbH and BAE.
ELGO GmbH with there successful Modular rockets ELGO A/B Series, prepare the C series, a modular Hydrolox stages With High performance Engine HDTW
They would drastic double the Payload compare to ELGO B series, who use storable propellant.
But ELGO conduct series of test of ELGO-X Concept in 1993. on reuse C series and if ballistic Reuse is commercial viable, use this technology.
BAE on other hand, build reusable MUSTARD and successful tested it in Australia and British Government were in negotiations with French for launch site in French Guiana,
For Equator orbit Mission, while Australia served for Polar military mission, who government were in negotiations with British Government to build launch site in Darwin north Australia.
ESRO director Jason Webb
With MUSTARD had ESRO finally a Spacecraft that could bring Europeans into Space independently from USA and USSR.
Jason Webb not hesitate to create European Astronaut Corps, ignoring NASA Group E of Europeans.
He also intervene in British French negotiations to get Launch pads for MUSTARD in French Guiana, Here Webb was ruthless, he not care about British-Australian relations.
ESRO wanted also own Space Station, idea the French and Germans favour,
Building a European Station make sense, since NASA de-orbit Starlab and USAF restricted access to Bold-Eagle Station in GEO.
(In this time Space Base Olympus was only proposal at Space Task Group at White House)
Alternative flights to USSR Space stations, again problematic, since Soviets insist that Europan Personen are train in USSR and Launch on Soviet Spacecraft.
Also had Mir restricted areas for Military purpose, what limited the Europeans on board operation, this also infuriated Webb.
So ESRO launch SpaceLab in 1995, it based on french SOLARIS concept, modified for manned operation, first temporary, later Permanent occupation of 3 astronauts.
Another goal were a Base on South pole of Moon, here ESRO found a Partners in USA and Japan.
In Mean time Earth orbit filled with manned Space Stations
Next US Bold Eagle station in GEO, the Soviet Mir complex, the Chinese Tianhe, Europa SpaceLab, came Japan JASDA with Kibō station serve with Fuji space capsule.
JASDA or Japan Space Development Agency, made long way from 1970s, with first copy of the US Delta Rocket now build own rockets the H-II and H-IIB in 1990s
the Fuji capsule was compromise since Development of Spaceplane HOPE and Kibō project was too expensive for their Budget.
India conducted Manned space flight with there Gaganyaan capsule, planning also small space station mostly for military applications.
While Private aerospace companies look into option to launch their own commercial space station.
Interview with Walter Kleinau Head of ELGO-X project
Interviewer:
You are part of MBB Team that work for ELGO GmbH ?
Kleinau:
yes ! we are responsible for ELGO Reusable study or how we call it ELGO-X.
ELGO-C with it HORA modular upper stage is unique launcher but, ELGO want to reuse it, so MBB got Order for study options for Reuse.
Interviewer:
There allot study by US companies like Titan V by Grumman-Martin corp. Dit this influence you work ?
Kleinau:
No, we started in 1982, far ahead of those studies, we came to conclusions that ballistic reuse would better options,
Dropping everything unnecessary stuff, like Wings, jet engines etc.
We not even needed a heat shield for first stage, just aerodynamic cover, and a barge were first stage landing on.
Interviewer:
Why landing on Barge on ocean ? ELGO-A splash in ocean and is recover.
Kleinau:
Those are robust build pressure fed rocket, impact into ocean and swimming in seawater dosen’t matter for them.
But the ELGO-C series is to sensitive for that.
Interviewer:
Is that reason why the ELGO-B are not recovered ?
Kleinau:
Yes and No, unlike ELGO-A, is mainly that ELGO-B stages return unstable, preventing secure deployment of parachute,
Do heavy engine block of stage, We tried to recover them in 1970s but failed, what let to ELGO-X project.
Interviewer:
So you solved the stability problem ?
Kleinau:
yes by putting the Frist stage inside Aerodynamic container, that allow stable return to Earth.
The biggest problems were the mass of this container and also restart and throttling the HDTW engines for landing.
The colleague of the „Raketentriebwerks Abteilung“ allot problems during testing to achieve the needed demands.
Interviewer:
Why ?
Kleinau:
The HDTW is unique rocket engine, it use the combustion chamber to power, direct the Turbopumps, eliminating the massive preburner such engine need.
Interviewer:
One moment, how power the combustion chamber the Turbopumps ?!
Kleinau:
The turbine that power both Turbopumps is installed in the combustion chamber itself, connected by vertical drive shaft with the pumps.
This allow a compact vertical engine construction, special since it run on 150 bar pressure !
But give also advantage of stepless throttleable Thrust, ideal for needs to land the first stage on barge !
Interviewer:
This gave some problems ?
Kleinau:
Yes, problems were restart of HDTW for slow down and landing burn, the colleagues lost allot engines during restart testing, but finally got it work.
Interviewer:
What is future for ELGO-X now ?
Kleinau:
It will enter service as ELGO-D
For moment it will reuse the first stage, what is adapted for it mission, while second stage HORA is expendable.
But we will in future build a reusable second stage from HORA for ELGO-D with option to bring payload from space !
Interviewer:
What Payload ?
Kleinau:
Various types mostly Satellites or cargo containers from Spacelab and material not suited for manned MUSTARD shuttle to return.
What are no problem for unmanned ELGO-D!
Interviewer:
Thanks for interview mr Kleinau
Kleinau:
your welcome, Goodbye
With creation of of European Union (EU) change allot for European Space Research Organisation in 1992
By majority vote by the politicians, ESRO became Europan Ministry with stable budget, with the British Jason Webb as new Director.
They gain allot of Money and additional research program and finally they would do serious programs with their allies ELGO GmbH and BAE.
ELGO GmbH with there successful Modular rockets ELGO A/B Series, prepare the C series, a modular Hydrolox stages With High performance Engine HDTW
They would drastic double the Payload compare to ELGO B series, who use storable propellant.
But ELGO conduct series of test of ELGO-X Concept in 1993. on reuse C series and if ballistic Reuse is commercial viable, use this technology.
For Equator orbit Mission, while Australia served for Polar military mission, who government were in negotiations with British Government to build launch site in Darwin north Australia.
With MUSTARD had ESRO finally a Spacecraft that could bring Europeans into Space independently from USA and USSR.
Jason Webb not hesitate to create European Astronaut Corps, ignoring NASA Group E of Europeans.
He also intervene in British French negotiations to get Launch pads for MUSTARD in French Guiana, Here Webb was ruthless, he not care about British-Australian relations.
ESRO wanted also own Space Station, idea the French and Germans favour,
Building a European Station make sense, since NASA de-orbit Starlab and USAF restricted access to Bold-Eagle Station in GEO.
(In this time Space Base Olympus was only proposal at Space Task Group at White House)
Alternative flights to USSR Space stations, again problematic, since Soviets insist that Europan Personen are train in USSR and Launch on Soviet Spacecraft.
Also had Mir restricted areas for Military purpose, what limited the Europeans on board operation, this also infuriated Webb.
So ESRO launch SpaceLab in 1995, it based on french SOLARIS concept, modified for manned operation, first temporary, later Permanent occupation of 3 astronauts.
Another goal were a Base on South pole of Moon, here ESRO found a Partners in USA and Japan.
In Mean time Earth orbit filled with manned Space Stations
Next US Bold Eagle station in GEO, the Soviet Mir complex, the Chinese Tianhe, Europa SpaceLab, came Japan JASDA with Kibō station serve with Fuji space capsule.
JASDA or Japan Space Development Agency, made long way from 1970s, with first copy of the US Delta Rocket now build own rockets the H-II and H-IIB in 1990s
the Fuji capsule was compromise since Development of Spaceplane HOPE and Kibō project was too expensive for their Budget.
India conducted Manned space flight with there Gaganyaan capsule, planning also small space station mostly for military applications.
While Private aerospace companies look into option to launch their own commercial space station.
Interview with Walter Kleinau Head of ELGO-X project
Interviewer:
You are part of MBB Team that work for ELGO GmbH ?
Kleinau:
yes ! we are responsible for ELGO Reusable study or how we call it ELGO-X.
ELGO-C with it HORA modular upper stage is unique launcher but, ELGO want to reuse it, so MBB got Order for study options for Reuse.
Interviewer:
There allot study by US companies like Titan V by Grumman-Martin corp. Dit this influence you work ?
Kleinau:
No, we started in 1982, far ahead of those studies, we came to conclusions that ballistic reuse would better options,
Dropping everything unnecessary stuff, like Wings, jet engines etc.
We not even needed a heat shield for first stage, just aerodynamic cover, and a barge were first stage landing on.
Interviewer:
Why landing on Barge on ocean ? ELGO-A splash in ocean and is recover.
Kleinau:
Those are robust build pressure fed rocket, impact into ocean and swimming in seawater dosen’t matter for them.
But the ELGO-C series is to sensitive for that.
Interviewer:
Is that reason why the ELGO-B are not recovered ?
Kleinau:
Yes and No, unlike ELGO-A, is mainly that ELGO-B stages return unstable, preventing secure deployment of parachute,
Do heavy engine block of stage, We tried to recover them in 1970s but failed, what let to ELGO-X project.
Interviewer:
So you solved the stability problem ?
Kleinau:
yes by putting the Frist stage inside Aerodynamic container, that allow stable return to Earth.
The biggest problems were the mass of this container and also restart and throttling the HDTW engines for landing.
The colleague of the „Raketentriebwerks Abteilung“ allot problems during testing to achieve the needed demands.
Interviewer:
Why ?
Kleinau:
The HDTW is unique rocket engine, it use the combustion chamber to power, direct the Turbopumps, eliminating the massive preburner such engine need.
Interviewer:
One moment, how power the combustion chamber the Turbopumps ?!
Kleinau:
The turbine that power both Turbopumps is installed in the combustion chamber itself, connected by vertical drive shaft with the pumps.
This allow a compact vertical engine construction, special since it run on 150 bar pressure !
But give also advantage of stepless throttleable Thrust, ideal for needs to land the first stage on barge !
Interviewer:
This gave some problems ?
Kleinau:
Yes, problems were restart of HDTW for slow down and landing burn, the colleagues lost allot engines during restart testing, but finally got it work.
Interviewer:
What is future for ELGO-X now ?
Kleinau:
It will enter service as ELGO-D
For moment it will reuse the first stage, what is adapted for it mission, while second stage HORA is expendable.
But we will in future build a reusable second stage from HORA for ELGO-D with option to bring payload from space !
Interviewer:
What Payload ?
Kleinau:
Various types mostly Satellites or cargo containers from Spacelab and material not suited for manned MUSTARD shuttle to return.
What are no problem for unmanned ELGO-D!
Interviewer:
Thanks for interview mr Kleinau
Kleinau:
your welcome, Goodbye
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