The cost-effectiveness of modular and single-purpose rocket boosters and worldwide trends

The present investigation is concerned with the employment of system analysis for space system technology applications. It is found that system analysis can indicate the areas in which development ought to be performed by pointing out technical shortcomings. By looking at the general relations, more efficient vehicle concepts may result. Thus, it is seen that the modular concept provides, in a cost-effective manner, a long-range flexibility which cannot be obtained with the single-purpose vehicle. Up to now the modular concept has been implemented in 'nonpure form', but it has not yet been exploited to its full advantage. Attention is also given to the advantage of a use of high-energy propellants, the advantages of a hydrogen-fluorine propellant, and the cost reduction to be achieved by an employment of a high-energy vehicle system consisting of clustered modules.