The ESA activities on future launchers
Abstract
A future launcher development scenario depends on many assumptions, such as the impetus provided by the probability of future missions, and the political willingness of member states to undertake future developments. Because of the long timescale implied by a coherent launcher development, a step-wise approach within an overall future launcher development plan appears essential. The definition of development steps allows the launcher developments to be adapted to the driving external forces, so that no possible opportunity to Europe in the space launch business is missed out because of improper planning on the absence of a long term goal. The launcher senario, to be presented in 1985, forms part of Europe's overall STS plan for the future. This overall STS plan is one product of the complete STS LTPP, a first draft of which should exist by 1985, and which will be updated regularly to take into account the changing political and economic perspectives.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- 1984
- Bibcode:
- 1984STIN...8425657P
- Keywords:
-
- Ariane Launch Vehicle;
- Decision Making;
- Management Planning;
- Space Transportation System;
- Cost Effectiveness;
- Cryogenics;
- Economic Factors;
- Politics;
- Reusable Spacecraft;
- Space Stations;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles