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Old 11-23-2014, 04:08 AM
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blackshire blackshire is offline
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Default New FT-1 SLV (links)

Hello All,

China's CASIC firm has unveiled a new, road-mobile satellite launch vehicle called the FT-1, which they are promoting as being capable of conducting emergency launches of satellites on short notice. The 20 meter (65 feet) tall, three-stage solid propellant vehicle (which has a small liquid propellant fourth stage that is integral with its satellite payload) is transported by and launched from a semi-tractor trailer truck. The unanswered question is: Who would need such a capability? Also:

In its second space launch in less than 24 hours, China successfully launched a small satellite aboard an FT-1 a few hours ago, but in a break with their previous policy, only a single (and apparently computer-edited) photograph of the launch has been released. There is speculation that the FT-1 is an anti-satellite weapon, whose liquid propellant fourth stage could serve as a maneuverable "bus" (like the liquid propellant post-boost vehicle of a multi-warhead [MIRV-equipped] ICBM) for taking multiple homing weapons within striking distance of GPS navigation satellites. Below are links to information on the FT-1:

http://spaceflightnow.com/2014/11/2...me-in-24-hours/
http://www.c4isrnet.com/article/201...launch-vehicle-
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/in...p?topic=36044.0 [this link has numerous pictures of an FT-1 model, showing its grid fins and launch truck]
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en...0.0.dBDcXvTs_oY

I hope this information will be helpful.
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Old 11-25-2014, 03:17 PM
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eljefe eljefe is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blackshire
The unanswered question is: Who would need such a capability?


In a wartime situation and the enemy is disabling your satellites, you may want a rapid reaction capability to put up new ones. Interesting articles...
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Old 11-25-2014, 11:28 PM
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blackshire blackshire is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eljefe
In a wartime situation and the enemy is disabling your satellites, you may want a rapid reaction capability to put up new ones. Interesting articles...
I agree--the implied meaning of the question (which didn't originate with me) concerns -civilian- uses for such a mobile, rapid-launch capability for orbiting satellites. It's sort of like the worried puzzlement of the pre-1979 Afghan government when the Soviets built and improved roads for them under contract (or as part of an aid package), and they wondered why the Soviets made the roads large and rugged enough to accommodate tanks and other large military vehicles.
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Black Shire--Draft horse in human form, model rocketeer, occasional mystic, and writer, see:
http://www.lulu.com/content/paperba...an-form/8075185
http://www.lulu.com/product/cd/what...of-2%29/6122050
http://www.lulu.com/product/cd/what...of-2%29/6126511
All of my book proceeds go to the Northcote Heavy Horse Centre www.northcotehorses.com.
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