The Scout Launch Vehicle Program

The NASA/DOD Scout launch vehicle was conceived in the 1950\u27s by the NASA Langley Research Center. Their concept was to utilize solid propel!ant rockets developed by the DOD to provide a reliable and low cost vehicle for both scientific and applications spacecraft. The program\u27s history indicates both objectives have been met. In addition to emphasizing mission success and low cost, the utility of Scout has been enhanced over the years by a conservative approach to increasing both its performance and usable payload volume. As part of a unique international cooperative effort, a third (in addition to NASA Wallops Flight Center and Vandenberg Air Force Base) Scout launch complex was activated in 1967 by the Italian Government off the east coast of Kenya. Scout\u27s current launch schedule shows the program continuing under NASA management with missions planned thru CY 1985 with payloads primarily for the DOD. New roles for this proven workhorse are being explored by the Systems Management Contractor