In its continuing effort to dramatically reduce the cost of access to space, NASA is looking for ideas for new and innovative reusable launch vehicle technologies.
The Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., intends to
solicit proposals later this month for development and demonstration of
advanced reusable technologies for future space transportation systems.
By the end of this decade, industry is expected to make a decision
on whether to begin development of a full-scale, commercially developed
and operated reusable launch vehicle. NASA’s continuing goal, through
technology development — in flight demonstrations as well as ground-
based research — is aimed at increasing U.S. competitiveness in the
worldwide commercial space transportation market.
“Next-generation launch vehicles will have to be highly reusable in
order to drive down the cost of space transportation,” said Uwe Hueter,
manager of Marshall Center’s Advanced Reusable Technologies project,
which is part of NASA’s Advanced Space Transportation Program.
“Spacecraft of the future will be similar to an airplane — durable, long-life vehicles that require very little maintenance,” he said.
NASA is looking to demonstrate technologies focused on meeting the
needs of reusable launch vehicles in both the near term and beyond 2000.
Core technologies that could support a wide range of future space
transportation needs will be developed through a continuous effort with
business and academia.
NASA’s industry partners will develop and demonstrate airframe and
propulsion systems technologies for advanced Earth-to-orbit systems and
upper stages. Airframe systems technologies will include structures and
materials, avionics, thermal protection systems, ground and flight
operations, and cryogenic tanks that hold liquid propellants at super cold
temperatures. Propulsion systems technologies will include main engine
components and subsystems for chemical and electric propulsion systems.
“NASA wants to take a look at alternative approaches and options
for developing the most promising technologies to get to space for less
money,” Hueter said. “This work is designed to broaden the technology
base.”
