NASP - Enabling a new space launch architecture

This paper summarizes the results of systems applications analysis of National Aero-Space Plane (NASP) technologies applied to future operational space transportation systems. A national space launch architecture is presented which reflects the requirements of military, civil, and commercial users. The ability of existing and planned systems to satisfy space launch requirements are compared with architectures involving NASP Derived Vehicles (NDVs). The ability of NDV's to 'normalize' space access is also presented. The objective of this paper is to describe space launch architecture options in support of existing and growth space transportation requirements.