Research and development of advanced propulsion systems study.

The Research and Development of Advanced Propulsion Systems Study was directed toward the development of a method for defining the desirable characteristics of booster systems in the 1million to 20-million pound thrust regime. An investigation into the means of reducing costs of a booster system was made by the adoption of a design philosophy that places primary emphasis on low costs, and the secondary emphasis on performance. Final conclusions of the study are LO2LH2 are the best propellants to minimize system dollars per pound of payload in orbit A building-block booster system will minimize total dollars per pound of payload in orbit Aluminum semimonocoque construction now shows the least dollars per pound payload in orbit The plug engine will allow a minimum dollars per pound of payload in orbit system The development of a LO2LH2 engine in the 1.5million to 3.5-million-pound-thrust class is required the discrete size selected depends on a more precise definition and agreement of the missions and payloads and A go-ahead on an engine and launch vehicle system development of the type studied, added to presently planned cryogenic utilization, will require expansion of liquid-hydrogen manufacturing facilities. Author