/sci/ - Science & Math

What would an American UR-700 look like during the space race?

The only way the USSR’s space program could’ve survived is if either Korolev or Chelomei died super early. Because the two of them competing with each other halved the already broke and sparse resources of the USSR’s space program

What would happen if Vladimir Chelomei fucking died in the 1950’s? He was the mastermind behind the UR family, including the Proton, UR-700, and the RD-270 engine.
On the other hand, he split Soviet space efforts which led to the USSR funding both the N1 and the UR-700 until 1969, which horribly kneecapped both efforts and led the N1 not having enough money to build test stands and such.
I’m going to be honest, I’m just trying to see what’s accurate to get the N1 flying so I can justify my KSP Apollo Style career continuing past the lunar landings. Lol.

The UR-700 got me thinking about an alt history timeline for my KSP role play save.

1959
>Sergei Korolev dies

1962
>Following Kennedey’s “we choose to go to the moon” speech, the USSR also begins development of their manned lunar programme
>Vladimir Chelomei is appointed to be the main designer for the lunar launcher.

1963
>President Kennedy is killed
>Unlike in our timeline, the US invades Vietnam early. This kills NASA’s budget.

1964
>Apollo is cancelled. NASA is forced to use Gemini spacecraft for their lunar program
>Due to the smaller size and crew of a Lunar Gemini, the Saturn V is cancelled, in favour of a smaller variant akin to the Saturn C-3 (45 T to LEO, 18 T to the Moon)
>https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn_C-3

1967
>Maiden flight of the Saturn C-3

1968
>Maiden flight of the UR-700. It fails.

1969
>Gemini 20 is the first manned lunar landing, carrying Ed White to the surface on a solo mission

1970
>Alexei Leonov is the first Soviet to land on the moon.

Also 1970
>Without a budget to build the “space shuttle,” and with mounting pressures following the Soviet landing - and their much more capable vehicles - NASA is forced to continue the Lunar Gemini program

>>12088404
>blocks your path

>>10633719
>Yes ride to the moon on a literal pillar of toxic waste

Why even live, man?