Space-based Orbital Transfer Vehicle

The effectiveness of reusable launch vehicles to Low Earth Orbit has been demonstrated by the Space Shuttle. The Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) is to extend reusability. It is planned to employ the OTV also in operations which will utilize the Space Station. For the Space Station, an added facility is planned which would provide a staging point for payloads that require placement at higher orbit by an OTV. It is pointed out that a space-based OTV could be more efficient since it would operate only in space and not be subjected to earth-to-orbit launch loads. Attention is given to the OTV operational scenario and mission profile, schedule, mission requirements, major program and system trades, OTV-Space Station accommodations (1997), and aspects of OTV growth.