One relatively simple idea for extending the usefulness of the Saturn V was to add an existing high-energy upper stage above the S-IVb stage. The use of a Centaur as a fourth stage would not increase Low Earth Orbit payload any, but it would allow the Sautn V to launch some impressive deep-space payloads, including:
7,000 pound payoad to Saturn in 2 years (Cassini-Huygens took nearly 7 years, and weighed about 5400 pounds, plus another 6900 lbs of propellant)
7,000 pound payload to Pluto in 10 years (“New Horizons” will take about 9 years, but only weighs 1,000 poounds)
7,000 pound (Solar explorer) payload to 1/10 A.U. in 150 days
More on Douglas concepts for Centaur equipped Saturn Ib and Saturn V launch vehicles can be found HERE and HERE.
2 Responses to “Centaur as Saturn V 4th stage”
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Another good reason to have kept at least a limited Saturn V line running. Maybe also bringing the INT-20 version into operation as well.
Here’s an interesting what-if: What if McNamara had forced USAF to abandon the Titan III and to use the Saturn I/Ib instead? All in the name of commonality and cost savings by having them and NASA using similar boosters. By the numbers the Saturn can boost a lot more then the Titan and uses some safer fuels.
The Centaur looks pretty dwarfed in that big payload shroud; I can see using an upper stage like that on a Saturn-IB, but the drawing shows a S-IVB off of a Saturn-V, and you would think you could really increase the propellant tankage on the Centaur.
Better yet, just stick a S-IV stage atop the S-IVB, as that used RL-10 engines also.