National Security Space Launch ReportRand Corporation, 2006 - 82 sidor In 1994, the National Space Transportation Policy laid the framework for appropriate government agencies to maintain strong launch systems and infrastructure while modernizing space transportation capabilities and encouraging cost reductions. More than a decade later, through combined Department of Defense (DoD) and industrial investment, the two Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) families of U.S. rockets (Atlas V and Delta IV) have proved to be maturing, reliable state-of-the-art technologies. In 2004, Congress directed the Secretary of Defense to establish a panel of experts with extensive space launch and operations background to address the future National Security Space launch requirements and the means of meeting those requirements. DoD selected RAND to facilitate and support this panel in its deliberations between May 2005 and May 2006. This report analyzes the National Security Space (NSS) Launch Requirements Panel's major findings and recommendations. In short, the Panel concludes that, because basic rocketry principles, use of chemically derived thrust, and multiple expendable stages seem certain to remain the design of choice for operational space launch vehicles, the EELV can satisfy all known and projected NSS requirements through 2020. |
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access to space Aerospace affordable Alliant TechSystems assured access Atlas benefit commercial launch Common Core Booster configuration contract DARPA defined EELV families EELV launch EELV program efforts engine Evolved Expendable Launch Expendable Launch Vehicle facilities Falcon Falcon 9 flight funding future House Resolution 4200 identified infrastructure initial investment launch capability launch costs Launch Forecast launch rates Launch Schedule launch services launch system launchers launchpad Lockheed Martin manifest ment Missile missions NASA National Security Space NSS launch requirements NSS service NSTP Office officials Operationally Responsive Space orbit planned potential Pratt & Whitney production RAND Corporation reliability rocket families Rocketdyne SAF/USA satellites scientific Secretary of Defense significant Space Administration Space Exploration space services space transportation capabilities SpaceX specific strategy sufficient Titan IV U.S. Air Force U.S. government U.S. space transportation United Launch Alliance United States Government Western Range Whitney Rocketdyne