Author: United States. Department of the Air Force
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Author: Michael A. Rampino
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Launch vehicles (Astronautics)
Languages : en
Pages : 68

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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.

Author: John E. Ward
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Launch vehicles (Astronautics)
Languages : en
Pages : 100

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Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 94

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The US military must be prepared to take advantage of reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) should the NASA-industry effort to develop an RLV technology demonstrator prove successful. The focus of this research is an explanation of how the US military could use RLVs, by describing and analyzing two alternative concepts of operations.

Author: Anhtuan D. Ngo
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Launch vehicles (Astronautics)
Languages : en
Pages : 10

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In this paper, we will examine a configuration for a reusable military launch vehicle (RMLS) concept. This configuration allows for the vehicle to land in an inverted attitude. Such inverted landing improves the turnaround time of the vehicle by reducing the maintenance requirements of the vehicle's thermal protection system. An analysis is performed to examine the impacts by the configuration on stability, control, and footprint for an RMLS configuration.

Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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As a result of technological progress, we are now on verge of developing cost-effective reusable launch vehicles (RLV) for space. This study reviews the strategic implications of the emerging vision within the U.S. Department of Defense for using these vehicles. Although the U.S. Air Force is making the transition to a force that relies increasingly on space, the best path does not necessarily involve replicating the traditional air missions in space. This study of potential missions for RLVs concludes that, while these are capable of numerous missions (e.g., reconnaissance, global strike, cargo and personnel transport), the most important mission for the immediate future for both the U.S. military and commercial firms is in the area of traditional spacelift. The two broad conclusions that emerge from this study are that the U.S. military should move away from the spacelift business by obtaining spacelift through commercially procured launch services, and second, that the U.S. military should not develop militarized RLVs that are designed to perform the traditional air operations in space.

Author: John L. Ward
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Launch vehicles (Astronautics)
Languages : en
Pages : 77

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Author: United States. General Accounting Office
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Artificial satellites
Languages : en
Pages : 36

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Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309266564
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 115

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On June 15, 2011, the Air Force Space Command established a new vision, mission, and set of goals to ensure continued U.S. dominance in space and cyberspace mission areas. Subsequently, and in coordination with the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Space and Missile Systems Center, and the 14th and 24th Air Forces, the Air Force Space Command identified four long-term science and technology (S&T) challenges critical to meeting these goals. One of these challenges is to provide full-spectrum launch capability at dramatically lower cost, and a reusable booster system (RBS) has been proposed as an approach to meet this challenge. The Air Force Space Command asked the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board of the National Research Council to conduct an independent review and assessment of the RBS concept prior to considering a continuation of RBS-related activities within the Air Force Research Laboratory portfolio and before initiating a more extensive RBS development program. The committee for the Reusable Booster System: Review and Assessment was formed in response to that request and charged with reviewing and assessing the criteria and assumptions used in the current RBS plans, the cost model methodologies used to fame [frame?] the RBS business case, and the technical maturity and development plans of key elements critical to RBS implementation. The committee consisted of experts not connected with current RBS activities who have significant expertise in launch vehicle design and operation, research and technology development and implementation, space system operations, and cost analysis. The committee solicited and received input on the Air Force launch requirements, the baseline RBS concept, cost models and assessment, and technology readiness. The committee also received input from industry associated with RBS concept, industry independent of the RBS concept, and propulsion system providers which is summarized in Reusable Booster System: Review and Assessment.

Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 58

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This study analyzes the role of a next-generation reusable launch vehicle (RLV) as a potential defense mobility platform for the future. RLV prototypes offer rapid transportation anywhere on the globe within one hour, with a significant cost reduction from today's $10,000 per pound to $1,000 per pound of cargo through space. Unfortunately, extremely complex and time-consuming infrastructure and ground handling requirements hinder the usefulness of the RLV in a military environment. Joint Vision 2020 (JV2020) outlines operational concepts that mold warfighting capabilities to achieve full spectrum dominance in the future. Two of the operational concepts, dominant maneuver and focused logistics, shape mobility requirements and are used to evaluate the need for a military RLV. This project seeks to answer the question: "Could the next-generation RLV be a viable tool to support JV2020's operational concepts of dominant maneuver and focused logistics?" Based on this analysis, current RLV prototypes do not meet the majority of criteria established by JV2020's dominant maneuver and focused logistics. However, if a military RLV were designed and produced specifically for defense transportation, it could potentially overcome the reliability and flexibility obstacles and become a key enabler toward full spectrum dominance.