Is the U.S. Launch Program Really Ready for the 21st Century

Abstract

Following the worst string of space launch failures in the history of the United States space program, (between 1998 and 1999), military and industry analysts are taking a close look at the root causes of the failures and subsequent implications for the industry as a whole. Their findings could significantly impact industry operations and luture developmental concepts as the nation heads into the 2lst century. Through analysis of existing literature, this paper seeks to review the launch failures and subsequent investigative findings and address what influence, if any, they will have on developmental operations as space launch technologies evolve from expendable launch vehicles to reusable launch vehicles.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADA394315

Entities

People

  • Lynn F. Comnett

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accidents
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Aircrafts
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Business Administration
  • Governments
  • Launch Vehicles
  • Management Personnel
  • National Security
  • Public Policy
  • Reliability
  • Reusable Launch Vehicles
  • Space Systems
  • Space Transportation
  • Spacecraft
  • United States

Readers

  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space