The launch vehicle system which Europe needs for the 1990s

In connection with limitations regarding the number of satellites which can be placed in stationary orbits, it is expected that communication platforms with weights in the range from 4 to 6 Mg will be developed in the 1990s. It is pointed out that for the U.S. possibilities for the launching of such platforms are provided by an employment of the Space Shuttle in conjunction with the Orbital Transfer Vehicle or the Centaur. Attention is given to approaches for the development of a launch vehicle system which would make it possible for Europe to remain in the considered area competitive with the U.S. A cost analysis shows that the desired objective could only be reached by the development of a fully reusable launch vehicle system.