Thread: Carrier killers (an article from JED online)

Originally Posted by gf0012-aust

...and I seriously doubt that they will have 24 usable platforms in place - let alone a fully redundant constellation.

That's my take too, Gf.

Another big if is the planned GSLV launches. With a 50% success rate and only 4 launches under it's belt, and the next rocket planned to use the Indian cryo stage for the first time, I would not be counting chickens. Also due to the recent failure, the GSLV schedule is bound to be kicked back at least 8-12 months.

The next Proton launch should go off on schedule.

And whether or not the Glonass-K will be ready in time is not at all certain, and that would affect the planned Soyuz launches.

Based on what we have seen in the past, it seems prudent to be a bit "cautious" wrt the schedule, if you know what I mean...

Originally Posted by highsea

Based on what we have seen in the past, it seems prudent to be a bit "cautious" wrt the schedule, if you know what I mean...

without wanting to upset the pro-russian platform club, the russians demonstrate stellar persistence in blowing out their schedules.

they are regularly 2-3-4 years in lag on major capital asset delivery at the CTD level, - let alone going "gold".

Bear in mind that the way that they wanted to short circuit the Glonas schedule was to invite India in as a participant. They are in no position to fast track anything.

Originally Posted by gf0012-aust

...Bear in mind that the way that they wanted to short circuit the Glonas schedule was to invite India in as a participant. They are in no position to fast track anything.

That's why I mentioned the GSLV launches and Glonass-K. The current (pretty optimistic) schedule to get 18 sats by mid-2009 assumes no hitches on either side (and there is aready a serious hitch with GSLV)...

That's not something I would want to lay money on, lol.

Originally Posted by highsea

That's why I mentioned the GSLV launches and Glonass-K. The current (pretty optimistic) schedule to get 18 sats by mid-2009 assumes no hitches on either side (and there is aready a serious hitch with GSLV)...

That's not something I would want to lay money on, lol.

I was tempted to make some reference to Yakhont/Glonas/Brahmos but thought better of it.

The russians really have sucker punched the indian military on a number of levels. If I was the Indian Ex-Chequer I'd have a few senior mil-personel's "nutz in a noose" and some "please explains" coming thick and fast.

All good for the russians though... as I said before, their marketing people (and their contract managers) deserve hefty bonuses....

Lol. Don't go there, Gary...

Originally Posted by highsea

Lol. Don't go there, Gary...

I have no intention I've getting caught up in return fire....

Some time back India decided not to totally depend on either GPS or GLONASS and develop IRNSS with foot print over Indian Subcontinent.