National launch system overview with focus on cargo transfer vehicle

As a result of the Augustine Committee's recommendation to the National Space Council, NASA, and the DOD have embarked on a joint program to provide the nation with a new capability for transporting payloads into space. The National Launch System (NLS) consists of a family of modular launch vehicles, combining elements of current launchers (Titan and Shuttle) with newly developed components. This family consists of (1) NLS-1 (a vehicle capable of delivering 80 k to SSF), (2) NLS-2 (a vehicle capable of delivering 50k to LEO), and (3) NLS-3 (a vehicle capable of delivering 20 k to LEO). Management of the program is shared between the two agencies with a Joint Program Office carrying out the level 2 management and integration function while both the NASA and Air Force field organizations are charged with the various development and operational responsibilities.