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From Earth to Orbit An Assessment of Transportation Options (1992) / Chapter Skim
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Summary of Key Findings and Recommendations
Pages 3-8

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From page 3...
... Multiyear appropriations could be an important step toward this goal. The United States should undertake extensive design of new East and West Coast launch facilities as soon as possible.
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From page 4...
... , many of which carry high-value cargo, as well as for manned vehicles. A one-third to one-half reduction in launch and operations costs Is required if the United States is to remain competitive in the launch vehicle market.2 This is second 2 See also, Carlson, Bob.
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From page 5...
... The proposed STME can be used for first stages of future launch vehicles. In adclition, the Rocket~yne F-lA and the current Russian RD-170 engines should be evaluated for liquid booster 3 Policy pricing is based on factors other than standard costs, i.e., policies to achieve larger market share by employing creative financing arrangements or subsidies for various phases of development or production.
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From page 6...
... Increased emphasis is also required in the design phase to include innovative methods to monitor propulsion system health and implement any required shutdowns at appropriate locations. The Committee believes that NASA should rely on the current Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM)
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From page 7...
... SDIO should continue a vigorous research and development effort directed at adding depth of detail design and analysis; (2) SDIO should examine 4 Hybrid motors employ a liquid oxidizer with a solid rocket fuel.
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From page 8...
... is a stimulating and productive research and development program and that the materials and airbreathing hypersonic propulsion technologies that have grown out of the NASP program deserve continuing and vigorous support. The Committee recognizes that the scramjet engines cannot be fully developed on the ground and must be tested in flight.
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Key Terms

  • space shuttle
  • rocket motor
  • launch vehicle
  • future launch
  • shutdown capability

  • solid rocket
  • engine shutdown
  • main engine
  • class vehicle
  • launch facilities

  • payload class
  • transportation options
  • extra engine
  • hybrid rocket
  • active redundancy

  • gas ducts
  • potential detrimental
  • overseas operations
  • financing arrangements
  • motor development

  • operational requirements
  • adding depth
  • technological feasibility
  • hypersonic propulsion
  • limited modernization

  • directly comparable
  • national space
  • launch test
  • flexible approach
  • redundancy capability


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