An Overview of Advanced Concepts for Space Access (Preprint)
Abstract
A wide range of advanced launch concepts have been proposed in an effort to revolutionize space access through either a significant reduction in launch costs or significant improvements in launch performance. This paper briefly summarizes commonly proposed advanced launch concepts, including both concepts that employ propellant and propellantless concepts. Each concept is briefly described along with its potential in two generic mission classes: small satellite launch to LEO and large satellite launch to GEO. It is shown theoretically that there is significant room for improvement in the cost and performance of current launch systems. It is also shown, however, that historical predictions of launch costs reductions and/or performance improvements for new technologies have been highly optimistic with realized costs and performance leading to only incremental improvements instead of revolutionary advancements. All of the reviewed technologies still have significant technical challenges to overcome before yielding fully operational systems. The associated risk makes it difficult to justify the large investments required to develop such systems, indicating that a development path with useful products at points in between the current state-of-the-art and final goal is necessary.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 19, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA484431
Entities
People
- Andrew D. Ketsdever
- Anthony P. Pancotti
- Jason B. Mossman
- Marcus P. Young
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory