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One thought that occured to me is that if we build Ares V launchers, we might order additional copies of the Ares V to send probes to distant regions of the Solar System For example, to launch space telescopes, communication satellites and the like. How might the additional capacity of an Ares V launcher be used in interplanetary probes?
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I look at this in the same light as the other paper designs of Lockheed's Atlas and Boeing's Delta V as being without a buyer.
Yes it would make for a huge launch system but do we really need the capability for such a HLLV for that many probes launched all at once.
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One thought that occured to me is that if we build Ares V launchers, we might order additional copies of the Ares V to send probes to distant regions of the Solar System For example, to launch space telescopes, communication satellites and the like. How might the additional capacity of an Ares V launcher be used in interplanetary probes?
Yes! Ares V has about six times the lift capacity of the most powerful rockets currently available (Atlas V / Delta 4 heavy). 130 mT to LEO compared with 20 mT. This is amazing. And the cost will not be that much more, currently estimated about $400m per launch (Cassini cost about $200m to launch on a Titan 4). Limitations on the weight and size of probes and Delta-V will be drastically reduced. Communications satellities will probably not be affected, they are quite capable already. However far larger space telescopes will practical. Substantial landers for Jovian and Saturnian moons will be possible. Long complex gravity assist trajectories will not be required for deep space misisons. It makes possible the use of heavy Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) rockets. NTP will enable a further doubling of Delta-V. Orbiters for Uranus and Neptune, landers/rovers for Mercury and Venus ... the list goes on. And above all else manned missions to the Moon, NEOs, Mars and beyond. It will transform space exploration.
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These are all great uses for such a vehicle but with no buyers there is no developement and no provider. If Nasa had its way we would be still using the shuttle long after 2010.
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There will be buyers for them if NASA adds some prizes for probes to the outer planets, and what about the outer outer planets or dwarf planets Sedna, Pluto, and Xena? If NASA creates a market for them, there will be buyers.
I think private enterprise is the way to go, you just need to make in profitable with seed money. If their are prizes then their will be private corporations trying to win those prizes and as long as their is a market for Ares type boosters, the manufacturer will build more and make improvements to the boosters and the manufacturing process to reduce costs.
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