Launch vehicle evolution - From multistage expandables to single-stage reusables
Abstract
Technical development trends and alternatives in the launch vehicle area are surveyed. Advances in the performance of launchers are reviewed, emphasizing increases in the payload fraction of total launch mass. The evolution of launch vehicle concepts is summarized, including winged vehicles with horizontal landing and ballistic vehicles with vertical landing. The application of these concepts to single-stage fully reusable launchers is addressed, and the launch cost trend and its future development is discussed.
- Publication:
-
Stockholm International Astronautical Federation Congress
- Pub Date:
- October 1985
- Bibcode:
- 1985stoc.iafcQR...K
- Keywords:
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- Expendable Stages (Spacecraft);
- Performance Tests;
- Reusable Launch Vehicles;
- Space Transportation System;
- Technology Assessment;
- Ballistic Vehicles;
- Winged Vehicles;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles