Paper Session II-B - Space Shuttle-Solution to DoD Dual Access To Space

Now is the time to revisit the use of the Space Shuttle to implement the DoD policy of dual access to space. The Shuttle Program is in transition, improving its operational responsiveness and reducing its costs to satisfy customer requirements. Many key Shuttle Program management positions are held by people with DoD spacelift experience. NASA\u27s way of doing business is , being changed to make programs happen quicker, faster, and cheaper. Shuttle costs have been reduced by more than 25 percent since 1991. Further consolidation and streamlining of Shuttle operations can be implemented to reduce recurring costs to as low as $2.0 billion, down over$1.5 billion from today\u27s operations costs. Shuttle processing has been improved to the point that the current four Orbiter fleet could easily support twelve flights per year, up four over today\u27s flight manifest. The Shuttle provides the DoD with a backup launch capability for larger payloads which is much more reliable and less costly than the Titan IV. In addition, the Space Shuttle provides the DoD with many unique spacelift capabilities not available from the expendable launch vehicle fleet. The decision prior to the Challenger accident to move the preponderance of the payloads to Shuttle was just as incorrect as the decision after the Challenger accident to remove all DoD and commercial payloads from Shuttle. This paper will present how the Space Shuttle can become DoD\u27s cost effective solution to dual access to space and the benefits the DoD will accrue from .utilizing the Shuttle as a spacelift asset