DIRECT Launcher

The DIRECT shuttle-derived launch vehicle, an alternative to NASA's proposed Crew Launch Vehicle and Cargo Launch Vehicle. The DIRECT launcher would mostly use off-the-shelf technology such as the current 4-segment solid rocket boosters and space shuttle external tank, in contrast to the new hardware that must be developed for the CLV and CaLV, so it would save NASA billions in development costs. This video is a work in progress. http://www.directlauncher.com

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• DIRECT
• launcher
• alternative
• rocket
• NASA

[jxvwp]

DIRECT is only a lobby.

With the constellation you get a rocket purely developed for carrying men (Ares-I) or purely for Cargo (Ares-V).

With the Jupiter you get a huge family of rockets that is much more expensive since you have got to develop all of the hardware (except for the RSRB's).

The Jupiter weighs just about the same as the Ares-V and only has just enough thrust to make a suborbital flight just above the atmosphere.

DIRECT isn't a running plan just some lobbyists.

[robotguy]

DIRECT is presented as an alternative to Ares-I and Ares-V. The big tanks use the same tooling currently in place at the Michoud facility in Louisiana where the STS-ETs are made. They would be made by the same workforce that has made over 100 external tanks of the same diameter.

I don't think DIRECT is the best solution out there. I do think it is an order of magnitude better than Ares. NASA has set the bar pretty low.

[jxvwp]

Well I can't say with the CLV (Crew Launch Vehicle) but none of the Jupiters are capable of matching the ARES-V in cargo capacity. But the ARES-I may need some rework like say some strap-on SRB's like the Delta-II and then a bigger upper stage with two J-2X's

[robotguy]

The Ares-1 will never fly, period. Ares is still on paper, not one piece of metal bent, while SpaceX is assembling a Falcon-9 on the launchpad. Russia continues to fly and improve the Soyuz. Japan has proven itself capable of ISS resupply, as has the ESA. SpaceX is developing the Dragon capsule, which would launch on a (by that time) proven Falcon 9 rocket. Ares-1 first flight is scheduled at least one more presidential election and three congressional elections away. Ain't gonna happen.

[HAL11000]

We have to show this DIRECT report to the new president.

[Astroholic007]

Isn't the point of a DIRECT launch vehicle to send both the Orion and Altair spacecraft to the moon with a single launch vehicle? The Ares 1 completely fills the requirements to send Orion to the ISS (if it is reliable as we anticipate).

[Astronautical123]

how did you get this add-on

[Helge129]

@robotguy Uhm, the Booster for the Ares I was tested about 2 years ago, that's I guess a year before your comment(s)

[MrFalconfly]

@pr0t0color

You know what?

That's old news.

I'd even forgotten I've said this.

But what do you know. Maybe this will pave the way for european lunar exploration (or even better an international mars mission).

[pr0t0color]

@jxvwp

How does it feel to be an Ares fanboi nowadays?

[pr0t0color]

Look at the date on this video, folks, and realize that this is pretty much what NASA is going to be building.

As Churchill said "Americans will always do the right thing . . . After they've exhausted all the alternatives."

This thing would have been flying already if NASA's top management hadn't been a bunch of arrogant, boneheaded jackasses.

[robotguy]

@RecklessTornado yep. i didn't make it, but someone did a nice job

[bestamerica]

'

american JPL / NASA missiles and rockets can going outer space what american want,,,

NOT ussr russia

[ti994apc]

This would be so overkill. Why even bother with the solid rocket boosters. The liquid engines should be more than enough. Nice animation though.