On Optimizing the Design of Space-Based Transportation Systems

Abstract

The factors involved in selecting propulsion stages to give minimum costs for future space-based transportation systems are outlined. A parametric procedure is described for selecting such minimum cost vehicles and applied to generalized and specific (lunar exploration and geostationary transfer) missions. The results indicate the different regimes wherein reusable and expendable vehicles (or mixes thereof) in single- or two-stage versions should give minimum costs. The results also show that for preferred configurations the costs of space transportation are essentially proportional to earth-to-orbit costs.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1971
Accession Number
AD0744979

Entities

People

  • R. C. Oliver
  • R. G. Finke

Organizations

  • Institute for Defense Analyses

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Earth Orbits
  • Escape Velocity
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Lunar Exploration
  • Materials
  • Meteoroids
  • Nuclear Propulsion
  • Orbits
  • Payload
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Reliability
  • Solar System
  • Space Based
  • Space Missions
  • Space Transportation
  • Spacecraft
  • Transportation

Readers

  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris