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Revision as of 19:20, 14 February 2018 editHuntster (talk | contribs)Administrators47,426 edits Rephrase Energia material, add citations. Misc cite tidying.← Previous edit Revision as of 21:15, 15 February 2018 edit undoWinged Brick (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users1,634 edits →Successful vehicles: Yeah, no. According to the sources cited, Polyus failed to achieve orbit. Cite sources that state otherwise on the talk page. It didn't get to orbit. It's a failure, ZERO orbits. Zuma orbitedNext edit →
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Three retired vehicles have successfully launched super heavy lift payloads: Three retired vehicles have successfully launched super heavy lift payloads:
* ], with an ] payload of a ], ], and ]. The three had a total mass of {{convert|45000|kg|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1969-059C |title=Apollo 11 Lunar Module |publisher=NASA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1969-059A |title=Apollo 11 Command and Service Module (CSM) |publisher=NASA}}</ref> When the third stage and Earth-orbit departure fuel was included, Saturn V actually placed {{convert|140000|kg|abbr=on}} into low Earth orbit.<ref name="Space-Launch Capabilities">{{Citation |title=Alternatives for Future U.S. Space-Launch Capabilities |publisher=The Congress of the United States. Congressional Budget Office |year=October 2006 |pages=X,1, 4, 9 |url=https://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/10-09-spacelaunch.pdf}}</ref> * ], with an ] payload of a ], ], and ]. The three had a total mass of {{convert|45000|kg|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1969-059C |title=Apollo 11 Lunar Module |publisher=NASA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1969-059A |title=Apollo 11 Command and Service Module (CSM) |publisher=NASA}}</ref> When the third stage and Earth-orbit departure fuel was included, Saturn V actually placed {{convert|140000|kg|abbr=on}} into low Earth orbit.<ref name="Space-Launch Capabilities">{{Citation |title=Alternatives for Future U.S. Space-Launch Capabilities |publisher=The Congress of the United States. Congressional Budget Office |year=October 2006 |pages=X,1, 4, 9 |url=https://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/10-09-spacelaunch.pdf}}</ref>
* ], Successfully orbited the Buran shuttle and was capable of {{convert|100000|kg|abbr=on}} to LEO. Though it did lift off with the ] payload, that mission failed and orbit was not achieved.
* ] launched two payloads before the program was cancelled: the ] weapons platform at approximately {{convert|80000|kg|abbr=on}} and the automated ] spaceplane at {{convert|105000|kg|abbr=on}}, both to low Earth orbit.<ref name="polyus">{{cite web |url=http://www.astronautix.com/p/polyus.html |title=Polyus |work=Encyclopedia Astronautica |accessdate=14 February 2018}}</ref><ref name="buran">{{cite web |url=http://www.astronautix.com/b/buran.html |title=Buran |work=Encyclopedia Astronautica |accessdate=14 February 2018}}</ref>
* The ] orbited a combined{{efn|The Space Shuttle orbiter itself contributed to reaching low Earth orbit therefore the validity of its inclusion as payload mass is debatable.}} {{convert|270142|lb|kg|order=flip|abbr=on}} when launching the ] on ].<ref name="spk-sts93">{{cite web |url=http://www.shuttlepresskit.com/sts-93/index.htm |title=STS-93 |work=Shuttlepresskit.com |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20000118144302/http://www.shuttlepresskit.com/sts-93/index.htm |archivedate=18 January 2000}}</ref> ''Chandra'' and its two-stage ] booster rocket weighed {{convert|22753|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name=GWR-HPL>{{cite web |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/heaviest-payload-launched-shuttle |title=Heaviest payload launched - shuttle |publisher=Guinness World Records}}</ref>
* SpaceX ] in a fully expendable configuration{{efn|A partially reusable configuration where three cores are recovered is classified as a ] since payload to LEO is under 50,000 kg}} can launch {{convert|63800|kg|abbr=on}} to low Earth orbit. In a partially reusable configuration in which its two boosters are recovered, it can launch an estimated {{convert|57420|kg|abbr=on}} to low Earth orbit.<ref>{{cite tweet |number=963094533830426624 |title=Side boosters landing on droneships & center expended is only ~10% performance penalty vs fully expended. Cost is only slightly higher than an expended F9, so around $95M. |user=elonmusk |first=Elon |last=Musk |date=12 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spacex.com/about/capabilities |title=Capabilities & Services |publisher=SpaceX |accessdate=13 February 2018}}</ref> Its first launch occurred on 6 February 2018, but it has not yet launched a super-heavy lift payload. * SpaceX ] in a fully expendable configuration{{efn|A partially reusable configuration where three cores are recovered is classified as a ] since payload to LEO is under 50,000 kg}} can launch {{convert|63800|kg|abbr=on}} to low Earth orbit. In a partially reusable configuration in which its two boosters are recovered, it can launch an estimated {{convert|57420|kg|abbr=on}} to low Earth orbit.<ref>{{cite tweet |number=963094533830426624 |title=Side boosters landing on droneships & center expended is only ~10% performance penalty vs fully expended. Cost is only slightly higher than an expended F9, so around $95M. |user=elonmusk |first=Elon |last=Musk |date=12 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spacex.com/about/capabilities |title=Capabilities & Services |publisher=SpaceX |accessdate=13 February 2018}}</ref> Its first launch occurred on 6 February 2018, but it has not yet launched a super-heavy lift payload.


Revision as of 21:15, 15 February 2018

File:Super heavy-lift launch vehicles.png
Comparison of Energia, New Glenn, SLS Block I, Long March 9, BFR, N-1, SLS Block IB, and Saturn V

A super heavy-lift launch vehicle (SHLLV) is a launch vehicle capable of lifting more than 50,000 kg (110,000 lb) of payload into low Earth orbit (LEO).

Successful vehicles

Three retired vehicles have successfully launched super heavy lift payloads:

  • Saturn V, with an Apollo program payload of a Command Module, Service Module, and Lunar Module. The three had a total mass of 45,000 kg (99,000 lb). When the third stage and Earth-orbit departure fuel was included, Saturn V actually placed 140,000 kg (310,000 lb) into low Earth orbit.
  • Energia, Successfully orbited the Buran shuttle and was capable of 100,000 kg (220,000 lb) to LEO. Though it did lift off with the Polyus payload, that mission failed and orbit was not achieved.
  • SpaceX Falcon Heavy in a fully expendable configuration can launch 63,800 kg (140,700 lb) to low Earth orbit. In a partially reusable configuration in which its two boosters are recovered, it can launch an estimated 57,420 kg (126,590 lb) to low Earth orbit. Its first launch occurred on 6 February 2018, but it has not yet launched a super-heavy lift payload.

The Space Shuttle and Energia-Buran orbiter differed from traditional rockets in that both launched what was essentially a reusable, manned stage that carried cargo internally.

In development

Launch Vehicles (Payload to LEO)
Company Vehicle Payload Remarks
NASA SLS Block 1 70,000 kg (150,000 lb)
NASA SLS Block 1A/1B 105,000 kg (231,000 lb)
NASA SLS Block 2 130,000 kg (290,000 lb)
Blue Origin New Glenn Unknown Though payload capacity has not been officially announced, the 45,000 kg (99,000 lb) payload for the two-stage variant and thrust levels for the first stage suggest placement of the vehicle in the super-heavy lift class.
SpaceX BFR 250,000 kg (550,000 lb) For reusable version 150,000 kg (330,000 lb)

Proposed designs

The 140,000 kg (310,000 lb) class Long March 9 has been proposed by China and is in early stages of development. It has a targeted capacity of 50 tonnes to lunar transfer orbit and first flight by 2030.

In August 2016, Russia's RSC Energia announced plans to develop a super heavy-lift launch vehicle using existing components instead of pushing the less-powerful Angara A5V project. This would allow Russia to launch missions towards establishing a permanent Moon base with simpler logistics, launching just one or two 80-to-160-ton super-heavy rockets instead of four 40-ton Angara A5Vs implying quick-sequence launches and multiple in-orbit rendezvous. In February 2018, the КРК СТК (space rocket complex of the super-heavy class) design was updated to lift at least 90 tonnes to LEO and 20 tonnes to lunar polar orbit, and to be launched from Vostochny Cosmodrome.

Cancelled proposals

Comparison of Saturn V, Sea Dragon and Interplanetary Transport System
Comparison of Space Shuttle, Ares I, Saturn V and Ares V

Numerous super-heavy lift vehicles have been proposed and received various levels of development prior to their cancellation. Perhaps furthest along was the U.S. Ares V for the Constellation program. This was designed to carry 188,000 kg (414,000 lb) and was cancelled in 2010, though much of the work has been carried forward into the SLS program.

As part of the Soviet Lunar Project four N1 rockets with a payload capacity of 95,000 kg (209,000 lb), were launched but all failed shortly after lift-off (1969-1972). The program was suspended in May 1974 and formally cancelled in March 1976.

A 1962 design proposal, Sea Dragon, called for an enormous 150 m (490 ft) tall, sea-launched rocket capable of lifting 550,000 kg (1,210,000 lb) to low Earth orbit. While the design was validated by TRW, the project never moved forward due to the closing of NASA's Future Projects Branch.

SpaceX's first publicly released design of its Mars transportation infrastructure was the ITS launch vehicle unveiled in 2016. The payload capability was to be 550,000 kg (1,200,000 lb) in an expendable configuration (equal to the Sea Dragon) or 300,000 kg (660,000 lb) in a reusable configuration. In 2017, it was succeeded by BFR.

Comparison

Rocket Config LEO payload First flight First <50t payload Operational Reusable
Saturn V Apollo 140 t (310,000 lb) 1967 1967 Retired No
Space Shuttle 122.5 t (270,000 lb) 1981 1981 Retired Partial
Energia Buran 100 t (220,000 lb) 1987 1987 Retired Partial
Falcon Heavy Expendable (0/3) 63.8 t (141,000 lb) 2018 - Unproven No
Part. reusable (2/3) ~57 t (126,000 lb) Proven Partial
SLS Block 1 70 t (150,000 lb) 2019 (planned) - Development No
Block 1A/1B 105 t (231,000 lb) 2022 (planned) - Development No
Block 2 130 t (290,000 lb) 2029 (planned) - Development No
BFR Reusable 150 t (330,000 lb) 2022 (planned) - Development Fully
Expendable 250 t (550,000 lb) - - Development Partial
New Glenn 2-stage 45+ t (99,000+ lb) 2020 (planned) - Development Partial
3-stage ? - - Development Partial

^A Includes mass of orbitter ^B No stages recycled, fairing may be landed on ship by parachute ^C Two outside cores landed on droneships, fairing may be landed on ship by parachute

See also

Notes

  1. A partially reusable configuration where three cores are recovered is classified as a heavy-lift launch vehicle since payload to LEO is under 50,000 kg

References

  1. McConnaughey, Paul K.; et al. (November 2010). "Draft Launch Propulsion Systems Roadmap: Technology Area 01" (PDF). NASA. Section 1.3. Small: 0–2 t payloads; Medium: 2–20 t payloads; Heavy: 20–50 t payloads; Super Heavy: > 50 t payloads
  2. "Seeking a Human Spaceflight Program Worthy of a Great Nation" (PDF). Review of U.S. Human Spaceflight Plans Committee. NASA. October 2009. p. 64-66. ...the U.S. human spaceflight program will require a heavy-lift launcher ... in the range of 25 to 40 mt ... this strongly favors a minimum heavy-lift capacity of roughly 50 mt....
  3. "Apollo 11 Lunar Module". NASA.
  4. "Apollo 11 Command and Service Module (CSM)". NASA.
  5. Alternatives for Future U.S. Space-Launch Capabilities (PDF), The Congress of the United States. Congressional Budget Office, October 2006, pp. X, 1, 4, 9{{citation}}: CS1 maint: year (link)
  6. Musk, Elon (12 February 2018). "Side boosters landing on droneships & center expended is only ~10% performance penalty vs fully expended. Cost is only slightly higher than an expended F9, so around $95M" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  7. "Capabilities & Services". SpaceX. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  8. ^ "Space Launch System" (PDF). The Boeing Company. 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 23, 2015. Retrieved March 30, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  9. Creech, Stephen (April 2014). "NASA's Space Launch System: A Capability for Deep Space Exploration" (PDF). NASA.
  10. "Eutelsat first customer for Blue Origin's New Glenn". SpaceNews. 7 March 2017. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
  11. Leahy, Bart (12 September 2016). "Blue Origin reveals New Glenn launch vehicle plans". Spaceflight Insider. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
  12. Elon Musk speech: Becoming a Multiplanet Species, 29 September 2017, 68th annual meeting of the International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide, Australia
  13. Covault, Craig (18 July 2012). "First Look: China's Big New Rockets". AmericaSpace.
  14. "China achieves key breakthrough in multiple launch vehicles". Space Daily. Retrieved 19 August 2017.
  15. ^ "Russia's A5V moon mission rocket may be replaced with new super-heavy-lift vehicle". RT.com. 22 August 2016. Energia and Roscosmos are "working on a super heavy-lift launch vehicle (SHLLV) that would use an engine that we already have, the RD-171," Vladimir Solntsev told Izvestia newspaper. The proposed new SHLLV would initially have a LEO lift of 80 tons with a potential to increase the figure to 120 tons or even 160 tons, according to Solntsev.
  16. "«Роскосмос» создаст новую сверхтяжелую ракету". Izvestia (in Russian). 22 August 2016.
  17. "РКК "Энергия" стала головным разработчиком сверхтяжелой ракеты-носителя" [RSC Energia is the lead developer of the super-heavy carrier rocket]. RIA.ru. RIA Novosti. 2 February 2018. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  18. "N1 Moon Rocket". Russianspaceweb.com.
  19. Harvey, Brian (2007). Soviet and Russian Lunar Exploration. Springer-Praxis Books in Space Exploration. Springer Science+Business Media. p. 230. ISBN 978-0-387-21896-0.
  20. van Pelt, Michel (2017). Dream Missions: Space Colonies, Nuclear Spacecraft and Other Possibilities. Springer-Praxis Books in Space Exploration. Springer Science+Business Media. p. 22. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-53941-6. ISBN 978-3-319-53939-3.
  21. Grossman, David (3 April 2017). "The Enormous Sea-Launched Rocket That Never Flew". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved 17 May 2017.
  22. “Study of Large Sea-Launch Space Vehicle,” Contract NAS8-2599, Space Technology Laboratories, Inc./Aerojet General Corporation Report #8659-6058-RU-000, Vol. 1 – Design, January 1963
  23. "Making Humans a Multiplanetary Species" (PDF). SpaceX. 27 September 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 September 2016. Retrieved 29 September 2016.

Further reading

  • Mallove, Eugene F.; Matloff, Gregory L. (1989). The Starflight Handbook: A Pioneer's Guide to Interstellar Travel. Wiley. ISBN 0-471-61912-4.

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