The capability of the Space Shuttle will be enhanced by use of the high-energy Centaur to provide payload transfer to higher orbits (geosynchronous, etc.) and for planetary escape missions. Future orbital transfer vehicles (OTV) requirements for NASA, military, and commercial exploitation of space will require improvements and technological developments such as increased performance, increased reliability, and increased mission versatility. Eventual OTV space basing should offer further cost reductions through vehicle reuse, freedom from Shuttle constraints, and possible STS propellant recovery.
This paper summarizes Centaur characteristics, performance, and program status and presents future considerations for orbital transfer vehicles into the Space Station era, including their capabilities, operational requirements, and the technology developments required to make them a reality
