Choosing the Right Launch Vehicle(s) for Space Exploration

R. Steve McKamey, P.E. (1), Joseph A. Huwaldt(1), Thomas K. Percy(1), Robert Jurenko(1), Dr. Lynn Neergaard(1), Dev K. Sen(1), Justin Banks(1), Jerry Wittenstein(2)
(1)Science Applications International Corporation, Huntsville, AL
(2)International Space Systems, Inc. Huntsville, AL


Abstract

NASA, the United States Congress, and the community of space exploration enthusiasts and engineers are currently involved in selecting a launch vehicle design for the Space Launch System (SLS) to deliver the exploration payloads to space that will invigorate and enable America's future exploration efforts. The requirements are simple. The system must be affordable, safe, sustainable, and it has to be available soon.

An analysis methodology centered on a conceptual design tool called FastSizer has been created to address these requirements. This methodology was applied to the just---concluded NASA BAA on Heavy Lift and Propulsion Technology (HLPT).

FastSizer is a set of Octave/MatLab and Python scripts that are used to perform conceptual sizing and analysis of launch vehicles. The package includes a conceptual trajectory estimator for Earth launch trajectories that requires few inputs, no iteration, provides good estimates of the delta---V losses, and a good initial trajectory for POST3D or OTIS. FastSizer sizes single or multi---stage in---line launch vehicle stages, including configurations that have a fixed size strap---on booster. It generates an MER based mass estimate for vehicle subsystems and a rough estimate of the design, development, test & engineering (DDT&E) costs for the vehicles it sizes.

FastSizer results were indicative of options that NASA can pursue to build an SLS that meets requirements for affordability, safety, reliability, and sustainability. An integrated campaign of launch vehicles and exploration missions is critical to the success of any new exploration program. NASA must treat the entire human and robotic exploration effort as one campaign and plan that campaign for about 30 years. The resultant launch vehicle designs will ensure that utilizations rates for vehicles, components and facilities will remain at sustainable levels and that the exploration returns are maximized.

Presented at ISDC 2011 - Huntsville. Paper and presentation charts are not available.