Paper Session I-B - The Space Exploration Initiative and the Aero-Space Plane Launcher

Consideration is given to the critical operational issues associated with large-scale space programs, like the proposed Space Exploration Initiative (SEl), in order to demonstrate their intimate relationship with the Earth-toorbit launch systems being used. These operational issues include failure resilience and continuous access. It is shown that scenarios using expendable, vertically launched Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicles (HLLVs) as the primary space launch means, may be difficult to accomplish. This is because the performance characteristics of such vehicles - most notably reliability and availability - contradict the identified critical operational requirements of SEI. An alternative strategy is outlined for the Lunar Base part of a future SEI program. This scenario uses a duel launch architecture consisting of the HLLV and the proposed fully reusable, winged Aero-Space Plane Launcher (ASPL). Relevent technical issues of the hardware elements are identified and discussed from the total program perspective. The rationale used to optimize the scenario is outlined, and the potential value of carefully matching payload types to the launcher performance is subsequently demonstrated