"Sources report problems have been encountered in designing an expendable version (RS–25) of the current SSME (Space Shuttle Main Engine) for the CLV's second stage that can be air-started. Concerns have also been raised that a possible alternate second stage engine, a derivative of the Apollo era J-2S engine, may be underpowered for the task.
There is something I like to call "Spooky Randomn Cost Increases" that I think exists in Engineering. Wanna build something? Got to expect some "Spooky Randomn Cost Increases..." I've seen in so many projects - big and small. Some things you just can't account for. You learn quick to expect it more in uncertain projects involving technology that hasn't been tested or hasn't been quite broken in as something more simple and well...old.
I know that was the idea behind using a design that incorporated Shuttle tech into a new launch system. You would need less testing in the end - but it's also that randomn crapola that concerned me... But the problem I had was that incorporating old technology into a new design is still a new design. Stuff can still happen. No one has tried anything like this before and that creates uncertainty - and in my experience uncertainty causes those randomn cost increases that you have to explain to your boss unconfortably.
The worst part is that NASA didn't do that - instead they decided to frankenstein a new launch system from the Space Shuttle solid rocket boosters and space shuttle engines. And hence my main apprehension about this new launch.
Of course this is just at the design stage and already they're having problems - and this will no doubt lead to longer design time which will lead to more mula... And then those "Spooky Randomn Cost Increases" will kick in.
Easy as pie to build this system? Doesn't seem like it no more.
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