New launch vehicles

Design and performance features of four new heavy lift launch vehicles, the Ariane 5, Titan 34D7 and Japanese H1 and H2 rockets, projected to be in-service in the 1990s, are summarized. The goal of all the vehicles is to serve as alternatives or backups to the STS capability to place large payloads in GEO. The Ariane 5 will actually be able to place larger, 5.2-8.1 ton objects in GEO, as well as boost the mini-shuttle Hermes into LEO. The Ariane 5 will have 1000 tons thrust, the H2 225 tons, and the H1, 120 tons. The 34D7 will be capable of handling GEO payloads normally configured for the Shuttle, and is to have a projected launch rate of two per year.