A Comparison of Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle Options for the 1990's .

Abstract

This thesis compares attributes of the heavy lift launch vehicle options that are available for the United States to use in support of the Space Exploration Initiative. The systems compared are the Advanced Launch System, Shuttle-C, Saturn V/F-1 and Energia. The F-1 development history is presented along with the proposed development of the ALS and Shuttle-C. Advantages and disadvantages of each of the systems are presented and possible trade-offs between them are discussed. The thesis shows that the option that is most cost effective and can be used to support the deployment of Space Station Freedom is that of developing a booster with a core engine like the F-1. In conclusion, a recommendation is given as to what the best option, with regard to both short and long term mission requirements, is for a new heavy lift launch vehicle for the United States.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA245617

Entities

People

  • Jonathan K. Schreiber

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Engineers
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Launch Vehicles
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Manufacturing
  • Production
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Rocket Engines
  • Space Exploration
  • Space Stations
  • Space Systems
  • Space Transportation
  • Spacecraft
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Facilities
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Missile Defense Systems.

Technology Areas

  • Space