"Expect a classified DOD payload to reserve one SLS service. Only SLS can launch it."
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32518.msg1160857#msg1160857
clongton
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Re: SLS completes PDR - Monster Rocket looking for science missions
« Reply #20 on: 02/16/2014 12:02 PM »
Quote from: Ben the Space Brit on 02/16/2014 08:10 AM
Quote from: arachnitect on 02/15/2014 09:36 PM
Quote from: John B on 02/15/2014 08:25 PM
Expect a classified DOD payload to reserve one SLS service. Only SLS can launch it.
Is this a new development, or a continuation of rumors that have been on this site for a while now?
This payload has been a persistent rumor for a while; the DIRECT team mentioned it on occasion. It must be very big if it can't be earmarked for an upgraded D-IVH ...
I will confirm that there likely is such a potential payload (DoD contacted us). All we were told at the time is that the LV needed to handle a payload "X" long, "Y" diameter and massing "Z" mT (estimated). And no, a Delta_IVH cannot lift it. Beyond that we had no clue.
« Last Edit: 02/16/2014 12:04 PM by clongton »