Accession Number:

AD0744979

Title:

On Optimizing the Design of Space-Based Transportation Systems

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES ALEXANDRIA VA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIV

Personal Author(s):

• Oliver, R. C.
• Finke, R. G.

Report Date:

1971-10-01

Pagination or Media Count:

65.0

Abstract:

The factors involved in selecting propulsion stages to give minimum costs for future space-based transportation systems are outlined. A parametric procedure is described for selecting such minimum cost vehicles and applied to generalized and specific lunar exploration and geostationary transfer missions. The results indicate the different regimes wherein reusable and expendable vehicles or mixes thereof in single- or two-stage versions should give minimum costs. The results also show that for preferred configurations the costs of space transportation are essentially proportional to earth-to-orbit costs.

Descriptors:

• *RENDEZVOUS SPACECRAFT
• PAYLOAD
• OPTIMIZATION
• COSTS
• SPACE STATIONS
• MANNED SPACECRAFT
• TRANSFER TRAJECTORIES
• SPACE PROPULSION
• LUNAR BASES

Subject Categories:

• Manned Spacecraft

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE