Concepts of Operations for a Reusable Launch Vehicle.

Abstract

The United States is embarked on a journey toward maturity as a spacefaring nation. One key step along the way is development of a reusable launch vehicle (RLV). The most recent National Space Transportation Policy (August 1994) assigned improvement and evolution of current expendable launch vehicles to the Department of Defense while National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA) is responsible for working with industry on demonstrating RLV technology. The purpose of this study is to help ensure the US military, especially the USAF, is prepared to take advantage of RLVs should the NASA-led effort to develop an RLV demonstrator prove successful. The focus of this study is an explanation of how the US military could use RLVs, by describing and analyzing two concepts of operations. Four major conclusions resulted from the analysis. First, RLVs have military potential. They can perform a variety of missions including responsive spacelift, reconnaissance, and strike. However, the economic feasibility of using RLVs for earth-to-earth transportation is questionable. Second, design choices for an operational RLV will have effects on risk, cost, capability, and operations efficiency. Trade-offs will have to be made between NASA, commercial, and military requirements if all three parties are to use the same fleet of RLVs. Third, increased investment in propulsion technology development is warranted to ensure success. Fourth, the top priority for the RLV program, even from the military's perspective, should remain cheap and responsive access to space. The research led to three recommendations. First, the US military should become a more active participant in the RLV program to ensure its requirements are defined and incorporated. Second, America should not pursue development of operational RLVs before the technology is ready.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1997
Accession Number
ADA330029

Entities

People

  • Michael A. Rampino

Organizations

  • Air University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Employment
  • Governments
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • Launch Vehicles
  • Materials Processing
  • Military Applications
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Space Systems
  • Space Transportation
  • Spacecraft
  • United States
  • Warfare
  • Weapons Effects

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Economics
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Space