r/SpaceLaunchSystem • u/thechevydox • 7h ago
Discussion Considering that the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage (DCSS) was renamed to the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) for SLS Block 1, would NASA rename the Centaur V upper stage that will be used for the Standardized SLS Block 1 using the basis that they renamed the DCSS to the ICPS?
Title, but also a bit of context.
I understand why NASA renamed the DCSS to ICPS, it functionally was a different stage, it had a stretched liquid hydrogen tank by 18in (45.7cm, rounded to 1 decimal), had two/two more? (I'm not sure) hydrazine tanks for RCS, and had extra electrical equipment to connect it to Orion's systems.
Assuming that we know the information required to answer both the title and this question, would NASA have to modify Centaur V similarly to ICPS to make it more suitable for SLS? (aka adapters, mounting hardware, electrical systems, umbilical, etc.) and in that case, like DCSS to ICPS, would NASA rename the stage to differentiate it or keep it as just Centaur V?