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NASA rejected the project orbital delivery of goods from Lockheed Martin as too complicated and expensive
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NASA отвергло Project Lockheed Martin , to bid on the contract 2 Commercial Resupply Services (CRS-2) - delivery of cargo to the ISS.
The contract is worth $ 14 billion and is designed to operate from 2018 to 2024. According to rumors, the new contract was divided between them Boeing, Sierra Nevada Corporation, SpaceX and Orbital ATK (heir Orbital Sciences).
Previous contract worth $ 6, 2 billion, and is valid until 2017, divided the two companies, Orbital Sciences and SpaceX. The last time Lockheed just filed his application and was also rejected.
The reason, apparently, lies in the overly complex and expensive approach to solving a relatively simple task. Lockheed proposed to решение three parts : Space Shuttle Jupiter, container cargo and Exoliner robotic arm for use in space. Jupiter, carrying the Exoliner, launch into orbit, and then Jupiter using roboruki conveys the container to the ISS.
The aim of Lockheed, offer non-standard project would receive funding from NASA to develop the shuttle and space tug. It was assumed that after the flight Jupiter will remain in orbit and will perform other tasks - for example, to repair or face the orbit of the failed satellite. But for some reason, the space agency chose to give the contract to those who do the work easier and cheaper.
However, the cost of the contract also has questions. The essence of contracts with third-party companies is to save budget money is given to projects in the implementation of the company that will make it cheaper. The program is scheduled for seven years to deliver into orbit around 20 tons of cargo. This is about 280,000 pounds. At the same time, NASA was advertising the delivery of cargo to the orbit "of $ 10,000 per pound." The simple calculation says that in this case the cost of the seven-year program would have to be $ 2, 8 billion - not $ 14.
Orbital Sciences Corporation ( OSC ) - US company specializing in the production of spacecraft and launch vehicles. The company is actively involved in providing the international launch services. Last year deal was signed between the OSC and the Russian NPO "Energomash" for the purchase of 60 Russian and rocket engines in the amount of $ 1 billion.
Source: geektimes.ru/post/263976/
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