WI: Constellation program never cancelled

trurle

Banned
Then the NASA would have some very massive hardware in launch schedule. Not sure if anything will be really launched by 2019.

Seriously speaking, NASA operates in budget-limited mode. Continuing with Constellation likely mean numerous robotic missions are cancelled.
 
Ares V with the RS-68s would not have been able to fly because of the base-heating issue. They would have had to go to Ares V Lite with the 5 x RS-25 core, 5-segment boosters, and EDS. This would have given 140 tons to orbit compared to upwards of 180 tons for the biggest (and latest) Ares V designs. The J-2X was probably also not going to fly because it was getting more expensive than RS-25s. EDS can switch to RL-10s (or maybe RL-60s) but this would doom Ares I, which was already a badly compromised design. You could replace the Ares I upper stage with the Ariane 5 for maximum continuity and a built-in ESA component. However, I think the most viable option would be completely replacing CLV with a man-rated EELV. Delta IV Heavy would probably work best considering the size and weight of the Orion CEV and some groups were already studying the possibility of hybrid vertical assembly in the VAB and using an MLP. Of course, the Ares V Lite plan was to replace both the CLV and CaLV for EOR lunar missions, so that might leave the EELV-derived CLV exclusively for space station missions.
 

trurle

Banned
However, I think the most viable option would be completely replacing CLV with a man-rated EELV. Delta IV Heavy would probably work best considering the size and weight of the Orion CEV and some groups were already studying the possibility of hybrid vertical assembly in the VAB and using an MLP.
NASA have approached Boeing with this proposal. And was refused. On basis of expecting man-rating EELV to be monetary loss rather than gain.
 
There was no realistic way for the Constellation programme to continue post 2008 financial crises.
It just took 2 years, but I remember reading that it was likely on the chopping block as early as mid 2009.
 
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