1/144 DIRECT Jupiter-130

[MartG]

I think this just about qualifies as a whatif - as in what if NASA gets the funds to actually develop a shuttle derived heavy lift launcher.....

The DIRECT Jupiter family of launchers was proposed as a cheaper and quicker alternative to the now-cancelled Ares launchers. Based on the shuttle external tank and SRBs, it places the payload on the nose of the tank. The version below is the 130 - for 1 core stage with 3 engines, no upper stage. I'm also working on its bigger brother, the Jupiter 246 ( two core stages, 4 1st stage engines, 6 2nd stage engines ). Alernative versions using the 5 segment SRBs developed for Ares have also been proposed, and designated Jupiter 130 Heavy - details are at www.directlauncher.com

I've made two alternative payloads, the simple cargo fairing, and a manned version with the Orion CEV. The model is made in cast resin.

Cargo version


Manned version


Disassembled




Additional parts for the 'Heavy' version - extra segment for each SRB and a payload shroud extension


5 segment SRB v. standard 4 segment one


A few more photos are on my website  http://homepages.tesco.net/martin.goldsack/

Now to get on with the upper stage for the Jupiter-246 - I'm also planning on making a wider payload shroud ( scale 10m wide ) for it too

[Hobbes]

I like it!

How did you make the master? Did you copy the tank and SRBs of a Shuttle kit?

[MartG]

Yes, I used parts of an Airfix shuttle as the basis of some of the masters. the rest I made from plasticard

[Taiidantomcat]

Impressive 

[sotoolslinger]

TOOO COOOL

[Atlantis]

Most Excellent sir!

[MartG]

I've now finished the Jupiter-246 two stage version



Next to an Airfix Saturn V to show the relative size


Disassembled

[chrisonord]

These are excellent Martin, you have been very busy with these. Are you still casting your own engine nozzles etc, as I wouldn't mind buying a few off you.
Cheers,
Chris.