Space platforms for low Earth and for geostationary orbits with integrated transfer system

The technical, operational, programmatic and economic aspects of Shuttle optimized space platforms as a concept of orbital systems is reviewed. Reusable platforms for LEO (low Earth orbits), a concept which reduces the spacecraft cost to about 50% of the conventional expendable satellite approach are studied. As examples the following concepts are investigated: an astroplatform (for X-ray and IR-telescope missions), a microgravity platform for space processing and a remote sensing platform for dedicated commercial missions. A geosynchronous communication platform is analyzed in detail: the geoplatform is characterized by a substantially higher performance than conventional satellites and at the same time much lower launch cost. This is achieved by an integrated propulsion system which allows the platform to propel itself from LEO to GEO ("eigentransfer') without an additional expensive propulsion stage.