A future launch system

A concept has been developed for a launch vehicle derived from Shuttle elements which include Space Shuttle main engines, solid rocket boosters, an external tank and a new cargo carrier. The cargo carrier consists of a recoverable module containing the propulsion and avionics components and an expendable structure for housing the paylaod. Payloads up to 25 ft dia and 90 ft long can be accommodated. This vehicle concept can deliver 150,000 lb to low earth orbit and, with a Centaur G-prime, 18,000 lb to geosynchronous earth orbit. Maximum use of existing launch facilities enables flights to be initiated within 6 years after program authorization to proceed. Cost analysis based on a 10 year/280 flight program shows that this unmanned launch vehicle is an economically attractive complement to the present Space Transportation System.