A Survey of Commercially Available Expendable Heavy Lift Launch Vehicles.

Abstract

This thesis examines the launch vehicle options available to place a heavy payload, 10 tons, into a low-earth-orbit. The study provides the current status of the space launch vehicle market for heavy lift launchers. The following launchers are looked at in detail: Titan 3, Proton, Energia, Long March 3, Ariane 5, and the H-2. Vehicle design history and launch record are examined. Each launcher is then examined and broken down by stages, including the payload sections. A typical launch sequence is included for each vehicle. Finally, the cost of the various launchers is examined. Conclusions regarding the future need of heavy lift launch vehicles and a look at the current political environment is made.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1994
Accession Number
ADA282429

Entities

People

  • Joseph J. Mihal Jr

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Astronautics
  • Composite Materials
  • Earth Orbits
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Inertial Navigation
  • Inertial Navigation Systems
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials Processing
  • Rocket Engines
  • Rockets
  • Space Systems
  • Space Transportation
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Orbits

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Theoretical Analysis.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris