Alternatives for Future U.S. Space-Launch Capabilities

Alternatives for Future U.S. Space-Launch Capabilities PDF

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 70

ISBN-13:

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Currently available launch vehicles have the capacity to lift payloads into low earth orbit that weigh up to about 25 metric tons, which is the requirement for almost all of the commercial and governmental payloads expected to be launched into orbit over the next 10 to 15 years. However, the launch vehicles needed to support the return of humans to the moon, which has been called for under the Bush Administration's Vision for Space Exploration, may be required to lift payloads into orbit that weigh in excess of 100 metric tons and, as a result, may constitute a unique demand for launch services. What alternatives might be pursued to develop and procure the type of launch vehicles necessary for conducting manned lunar missions, and how much would those alternatives cost. This Congressional Budget Office (CBO) study-prepared at the request of the Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee-examines those questions. The analysis presents six alternative programs for developing launchers and estimates their costs under the assumption that manned lunar missions will commence in either 2018 or 2020. In keeping with CBO's mandate to provide impartial analysis, the study makes no recommendations.

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."

National Security Space Launch Report

National Security Space Launch Report PDF

Author: Forrest McCartney

Publisher: Rand Corporation

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 82

ISBN-13: 0833039598

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In 1994, the National Space Transportation Policy laid the framework for appropriate government agencies to maintain strong launch systems and infrastructure while modernizing space transportation capabilities and encouraging cost reductions. More than a decade later, through combined Department of Defense (DoD) and industrial investment, the two Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) families of U.S. rockets (Atlas V and Delta IV) have proved to be maturing, reliable state-of-the-art technologies. In 2004, Congress directed the Secretary of Defense to establish a panel of experts with extensive space launch and operations background to address the future National Security Space launch requirements and the means of meeting those requirements. DoD selected RAND to facilitate and support this panel in its deliberations between May 2005 and May 2006. This report analyzes the National Security Space (NSS) Launch Requirements Panel's major findings and recommendations. In short, the Panel concludes that, because basic rocketry principles, use of chemically derived thrust, and multiple expendable stages seem certain to remain the design of choice for operational space launch vehicles, the EELV can satisfy all known and projected NSS requirements through 2020.

Evaluation of the National Aerospace Initiative

Evaluation of the National Aerospace Initiative PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2004-06-16

Total Pages: 146

ISBN-13: 0309166128

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The National Aerospace Initiative (NAI) was conceived as a joint effort between the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to sustain the aerospace leadership of the United States through the acceleration of selected aerospace technologies: hypersonic flight, access to space, and space technologies. The Air Force became concerned about the NAI's possible consequences on Air Force programs and budget if NAI program decisions differed from Air Force priorities. To examine this issue, it asked the NRC for an independent review of the NAI. This report presents the results of that assessment. It focuses on three questions asked by the Air Force: is NAI technically feasible in the time frame laid out; is it financially feasible over that period; and is it operationally relevant.

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