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Skylon

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My back of the napkin math says that assuming SpaceX reaches its 100 ton to lunar surface goal, and ignoring volume constraints, it could take an entire fully fueled SLS to the surface of the Moon in ~25 launches. If you dump the fuel, it only takes ~3 launches. Who knows, that might actually be cheaper than making SLS fly. 

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1 minute ago, Raven Industries said:

My back of the napkin math says that assuming SpaceX reaches its 100 ton to lunar surface goal, and ignoring volume constraints, it could take an entire fully fueled SLS to the surface of the Moon in ~25 launches. If you dump the fuel, it only takes ~3 launches. Who knows, that might actually be cheaper than making SLS fly. 

Same that will happen with NASA's 6-phase Mars sample return shoebox - Starship will get there and the astronauts will pose for a photo next to it on break from shoveling 50 tons of rock into their cargo bay.

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17 minutes ago, Raven Industries said:

My back of the napkin math says that assuming SpaceX reaches its 100 ton to lunar surface goal, and ignoring volume constraints, it could take an entire fully fueled SLS to the surface of the Moon in ~25 launches. If you dump the fuel, it only takes ~3 launches. Who knows, that might actually be cheaper than making SLS fly. 

If you brought the solid fuel (IDK how many launches that would take) and then made the hydrolox from ice they may be able to launch it from the moon assuming they built a launch pad.

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5 minutes ago, sh1pman said:

So how many refillings does it need to land 100t on the Moon and return? Must be around 6-7 in GTO, right?

Depends on if it has to return. CLPS is just landing cargo. For just landing 5-6 from LEO?

 

 

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Just now, sh1pman said:

Sounds about right. But wouldn’t SpaceX want to pursue a secondary mission as well?

Don't know why not :)

Land some TESLA powered rovers with dozer blades to make a flat spot, lol (after they leave with the SS).

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1 minute ago, tater said:

Don't know why not :)

Land some TESLA powered rovers with dozer blades to make a flat spot, lol (after they leave with the SS).

RC Dozers doing a little moonscaping project in preparation for Artemis landing? Maybe even paint a giant X in the center?

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6 hours ago, Raven Industries said:

Maybe build a nice long-term habitat housing 100 as a welcoming gift. 

With a little gift-wrapped wheel of cheese for each occupant left in the storage lockers.

 

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15 hours ago, Raven Industries said:

Solid fuel alone is apparently 11 of the 25 launches. That stuff is heavy

And not actually nessesary for lunar launch. The core stage should have plenty of TWR on the lunar surface, it doesn't need boosters.

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