3 ms·
The long foldable structure would add considerable weight* and complexity (and thus risk), and would also be unsuitable for use as a first or second stage. So,
by CydeWeys 6y ago
The long foldable structure would add considerable weight* and complexity (and thus risk), and would also be unsuitable for use as a first or second stage. So, this would maaaaybe be acceptable to handle the Hohmann transfers on a crewed mission to Mars, but not for much else.
* It needs to be strong enough to handle the full acceleration of the engines.
- rbanffy 6y ago> It needs to be strong enough to handle the full acceleration of the engines. I don't think we can expect to have high accelerations with NTRs anyway, so I don't think it'd need to be particularly robust. Also, propellant tank walls can be structural elements here too. If a foldable structure isn't practical, we could just assemble it from rigid elements lofted on other launches.