Introduction to "Skylifter"

[publius]

What is Skylifter?
Skylifter is a proposal for a new expendable space-launch vehicle, conceived to serve the short-term needs of the Luna Project but adaptable to a wide range of uses. As proposed, it is distinguished from other space-launch solutions by two main characteristics : (1) it is to use existing components with a minimum of new design, & (2) it is to be developed, constructed, & operated as far as possible on an open-source basis, that is, using volunteer work, donated materials, &c., & with all information being made available to the public.

Why Skylifter?
We find that, although present-day & near-term projected launch systems are capable of moving the loads the Project calls for, they will not do so with the degree of economy & rapidity which might be desired. Qualitatively superior solutions appear to be a long way off. Therefore, if it is possible to fill the gap by combining existing components into a new system, with a minimum of new engineering work, we should pursue this path (although not to the exclusion of plans for using existing sytems). This is similar to the approach taken by von Braun & the Redstone Arsenal team in building Saturn I : they did not have a million-pound thrust engine, or a rocket big enough to mount one on, so they clustered eight rockets of 125 000 lb thrust underneath a cluster of 1 Juno & 8 Redstone fuel tanks, with remarkable success.
Not only is open-source development in keeping with the spirit of the Luna Project, it is almost inescapable if we want to get anything done. Due to the stupid & shortsighted extension of arms-control legislation (ITAR within the USA, MCR internationally) to space activity, it is very difficult to do space work across international borders, & the situation is doubly bad with respect to the USA -- in fact, the American space industry is starved for engineers because the many aerospace engineers in the country who are not citizens are legally barred from employment in such projects. As with computer software, however, it should be very difficult to prevent people from around the world, regardless of nationality, working on a project which is neither commercial nor governmental. For a parallel case, we can look at computer software such as Linux & Firefox, whose commercial equivalents fall under the same "arms-control" restrictions.