Launching Science

Launching Science PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2009-02-12

Total Pages: 157

ISBN-13: 0309178118

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In January 2004 NASA was given a new policy direction known as the Vision for Space Exploration. That plan, now renamed the United States Space Exploration Policy, called for sending human and robotic missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. In 2005 NASA outlined how to conduct the first steps in implementing this policy and began the development of a new human-carrying spacecraft known as Orion, the lunar lander known as Altair, and the launch vehicles Ares I and Ares V. Collectively, these are called the Constellation System. In November 2007 NASA asked the National Research Council (NRC) to evaluate the potential for new science opportunities enabled by the Constellation System of rockets and spacecraft. The NRC committee evaluated a total of 17 mission concepts for future space science missions. Of those, the committee determined that 12 would benefit from the Constellation System and five would not. This book presents the committee's findings and recommendations, including cost estimates, a review of the technical feasibility of each mission, and identification of the missions most deserving of future study.

The Future of U.S. Rocketry

The Future of U.S. Rocketry PDF

Author: Edward Hujsak

Publisher:

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 218

ISBN-13:

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From Space News. January 27, 1997: "Many would do well reading this treasure of facts covering the development of U.S. launch vehicles. Starting from American Robert Goddard's pioneering work, Hujsak provides an overview of a half-century of booster business. The Atlas, Delta, Titan, space shuttle and its derivations are covered, as are the Delta Clipper and the single-stage-to-orbit National Aerospace Plane project. Also covered is past work on nuclear-powered rockets, as well as looks at unconventional propulsion using lasers and interstellar ramjets. This is a straightforward, no-nonsense easy-to-read book, particularly for those unfamiliar with the evolution of U.S. space launch capability."

Alternatives for Military Space Radar

Alternatives for Military Space Radar PDF

Author: Joseph A. Post

Publisher:

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 92

ISBN-13:

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"DoD's 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review calls for investment in such systems to grow in order to provide 'a highly persistent capability to identify and track moving ground targets in denied areas.' To that end, DoD and the National Reconnaissance Office are proposing to develop a constellation of Earth-orbiting Space Radar satellites that would provide imagery, GMTI, and geospatial intelligence products to members of the military and the intelligence community. This Congressional Budget Office (CBO) study--prepared at the request of Senators Wayne Allard and Bill Nelson in their respective capacities as the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services' Subcommittee on Strategic Forces--examines the costs and potential performance of four possible designs for a Space Radar system."--Preface.

Making Sense of Ballistic Missile Defense

Making Sense of Ballistic Missile Defense PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2013-01-28

Total Pages: 239

ISBN-13: 0309216109

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The Committee on an Assessment of Concepts and Systems for U.S. Boost-Phase Missile Defense in Comparison to Other Alternatives set forth to provide an assessment of the feasibility, practicality, and affordability of U.S. boost-phase missile defense compared with that of the U.S. non-boost missile defense when countering short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missile threats from rogue states to deployed forces of the United States and its allies and defending the territory of the United States against limited ballistic missile attack. To provide a context for this analysis of present and proposed U.S. boost-phase and non-boost missile defense concepts and systems, the committee considered the following to be the missions for ballistic missile defense (BMD): protecting of the U.S. homeland against nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD); or conventional ballistic missile attacks; protection of U.S. forces, including military bases, logistics, command and control facilities, and deployed forces, including military bases, logistics, and command and control facilities. They also considered deployed forces themselves in theaters of operation against ballistic missile attacks armed with WMD or conventional munitions, and protection of U.S. allies, partners, and host nations against ballistic-missile-delivered WMD and conventional weapons. Consistent with U.S. policy and the congressional tasking, the committee conducted its analysis on the basis that it is not a mission of U.S. BMD systems to defend against large-scale deliberate nuclear attacks by Russia or China. Making Sense of Ballistic Missile Defense: An Assessment of Concepts and Systems for U.S. Boost-Phase Missile Defense in Comparison to Other Alternatives suggests that great care should be taken by the U.S. in ensuring that negotiations on space agreements not adversely impact missile defense effectiveness. This report also explains in further detail the findings of the committee, makes recommendations, and sets guidelines for the future of ballistic missile defense research.

Launching Science

Launching Science PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2009-03-12

Total Pages: 156

ISBN-13: 0309116449

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In January 2004 NASA was given a new policy direction known as the Vision for Space Exploration. That plan, now renamed the United States Space Exploration Policy, called for sending human and robotic missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. In 2005 NASA outlined how to conduct the first steps in implementing this policy and began the development of a new human-carrying spacecraft known as Orion, the lunar lander known as Altair, and the launch vehicles Ares I and Ares V. Collectively, these are called the Constellation System. In November 2007 NASA asked the National Research Council (NRC) to evaluate the potential for new science opportunities enabled by the Constellation System of rockets and spacecraft. The NRC committee evaluated a total of 17 mission concepts for future space science missions. Of those, the committee determined that 12 would benefit from the Constellation System and five would not. This book presents the committee's findings and recommendations, including cost estimates, a review of the technical feasibility of each mission, and identification of the missions most deserving of future study.