Technology requirements for affordable single-stage rocket launch vehiclesA number of manned Earth-to-orbit (ETO) vehicle options for replacing or complementing the current Space Transportation System are being examined under the Advanced Manned Launch System (AMLS) study. The introduction of a reusable single-stage vehicle (SSV) into the U.S. launch vehicle fleet early in the next century could greatly reduce ETO launch costs. As a part of the AMLS study, the conceptual design of an SSV using a wide variety of enhancing technologies has recently been completed and is described in this paper. This paper also identifies the major enabling and enhancing technologies for a reusable rocket-powered SSV and provides examples of the mission payoff potential of a variety of important technologies. This paper also discusses the impact of technology advancements on vehicle margins, complexity, and risk, all of which influence the total system cost.
Document ID
19940034634
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Stanley, Douglas O. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Piland, William M. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1993
Subject Category
Launch Vehicles And Space Vehicles
Report/Patent Number
IAF PAPER 93-627
Meeting Information
Meeting: IAF, International Astronautical Congress