The engine next to him is TOO SMALL to power rockets of the size they’re talking about.
SpaceX is already ahead of them with their Raptor engine component testing.
SpaceX Ready for Raptor Engine Components Testing at Stennis
24APR2014
http://nasawatch.com/archives/2014/04/spacex-ready-fo.html
Now take a look at performance numbers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raptor_%28rocket_engine%29
Raptor is being designed to produce
8,200 kN (1,800,000 lbf) of vacuum thrust
—6,900 kN (1,600,000 lbf) thrust at lift-off
Compare that to the Russian RD-180
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RD-180
Thrust (vac.) 933,400 lbf (4.15 MN)
Thrust (SL) 860,568 lbf (3.83 MN)
And compare those to the Blue Origin BE-4.
http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41901ula-to-invest-in-blue-origin-engine-as-rd-180-replacement
Bezos said during the press conference that the BE-4, which will generate about 550,000 pounds of thrust, is based on the BE-3 that powers Blue Origin’s New Shepard, an experimental suborbital rocket that takes off and lands vertically. In addition to the Atlas 5 successor, the new engine would be used for a future reusable orbital launcher Blue Origin plans to develop, he said.
Two BE-4 engines generating a combined 1.1 million pounds of thrust at sea level would power the new rocket’s first stage, Bruno said. The current Atlas 5 first stage is powered by a single RD-180 generating close to 1 million pounds of thrust.
What am I missing here? There’s not a whole lot to a rocket motor. Couple turbo-pumps to supply the fuel and oxidizer at the phenomenal rates at which they’re consumed, powered by the same fuel source from which they’re pumping, and a reaction chamber, and an exhaust bell with a heat exchanger. (And ignition if not hypergolic) I mean look at that unit on his table there. Not a lot of moving parts. Most of the trick to building a rocket motor is doing it to withstand the extreme environmental conditions and to do so while no one is available to service it.
Not being a rocket engineer, I’m trying to figure out what there is to improve to the extent you’re going to call it a new engine, or be distressed when someone will no longer sell you theirs? Improve long term reliability with more modern materials?
Basically a press release. Blah blah blah.
In 1961 the US launched its first man, Alan Shepherd into space. Six years later (1967) the US had mastered orbital docking (Gemini) and despite the tragedy of the Apollo 1 fire in 1967 would in 1968 successfully conduct a 3 man orbital mission of the moon.
Under the current administration we’ve had the NASA mission redefined as “Muslim outreach”, we’ve seen the Space shuttles retired, and the US is incapable of launching human being into space. Once the leader in space exploration we are dependent on Russia for rocket engines and for carrying our people to the space station built with US tax dollars.
Six years from first manned flight to almost ready to go to the moon in the 1960’s. In the 21st century six years to no where. What’s the difference?