Research and development of advanced propulsion systems study

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Research and development of advanced propulsion systems study

The Research and Development of Advanced Propulsion Systems Study was directed toward the development of a method for defining the desirable characteristics of booster systems in the 1million to 20-million pound thrust regime. An investigation into the means of reducing costs of a booster system was made by the adoption of a design philosophy that places primary emphasis on low costs, and the secondary emphasis on performance. Final conclusions of the study are: LO2/LH2 are the best propellants to minimize system dollars per pound of payload in orbit; A building-block booster system will minimize total dollars per pound of payload in orbit; Aluminum semimonocoque construction now shows the least dollars per pound payload in orbit; The plug engine will allow a minimum dollars per pound of payload in orbit system; The development of a LO2/LH2 engine in the 1.5million to 3.5-million-pound-thrust class is required (the discrete size selected depends on a more precise definition and agreement of the missions and payloads); and A go-ahead on an engine and launch vehicle system development of the type studied, added to presently planned cryogenic utilization, will require expansion of liquid-hydrogen manufacturing facilities. (Author)