Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to horizontal FUELING cited in the article

You're right
Larry J — (archived)

While horizontal integration has some real advantages, horizontal fueling makes no sense at all. I just skimmed the original article and missed that part about horizontal fueling. As you pointed out, the stresses on the ET alone would likely cause a major redesign and probably a significant weight increase. It'd require a much more massive transporter-erector rig, too. Look at the massive Buran transporter-erector and remember, those 4 Zenit strap-ons and the ET were unfueled until after it was erected.

The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of a scaled down Energia-Buran design. I'd take an orbiter designed to handle a passenger load of perhaps 5-10 people and a 10,000 pound payload and launch it with liquid-fueled strap-ons, say something along the lines of a Zenit or Delta IV module on each side. Such a vehicle would be a lot smaller than the current Shuttle and would cost a lot less per mission.

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