Advanced manned launch system (AMLS) review

The current status of NASA's AMLS conceptual studies, part of a broader effort aimed at determining options for the next manned space transportation system, is reported. The primary goal of the studies is to identify means for lowering the cost of manned access to space while fulfilling mission needs. Vehicle systems, technologies, and operations factors affecting launch costs, mission success, and safety are identified. Emphasis is placed on partially and fully reusable launch concepts that employ an operations-oriented design approach.