Main Engine Cut Off

Interesting to think that if SpaceX’s constellation ambitions even approach their projections, they’d be exempt from this regulation within a decade.

This is encouraging to hear. Long coast periods are key to some more complex flight profiles—specifically direct injection into geostationary orbit—and SpaceX has yet to show that ability. It’s one area that ULA still owns with Centaur and the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage.

An interesting tidbit from Jeff Foust in the wake of yesterday’s Senate subcommittee meeting.

With the launch of OA–7, I’ve been thinking about the interplay between Cygnus, Antares, Atlas V, and Orbital ATK’s Next-Generation Launch Vehicle.

Saying the end goal is to develop two launch vehicles doesn’t mean the Air Force is only giving out two contracts. They could—and probably should—award more than two contracts, so that they can still meet their goal even if one or more contenders fail for any reason.

Regardless of how you think our collective plans should be organized, we can all agree that we’d rather see something happen. Let’s be honest about where we’re headed, and get on with it.

I haven’t said much about NASA’s proposed Deep Space Gateway and Transport architecture yet, but I’ve been thinking about it a lot.

Rob Meyerson, president of Blue Origin, talked a bit more about their Blue Moon concept at the Space Symposium this week.

Yesterday at the Space Symposium, Jeff Bezos had some interesting comments on Blue Origin’s plans.

Jeff Foust, for SpaceNews, on Blue Origin’s progress on BE-4 firings, and how ULA is managing the downselect for Vulcan engines.