United States Launch Vehicle Systems

Abstract

United States policy for national space launch capability provides for a balanced mix of launches, utilizing the Space Shuttle and Expendable Launch Vehicles (ELVs). It also directs government agencies to encourage and support the development of a domestic commercial expendable launch vehicle industry. This is to be accomplished by contracting for necessary ELV launch services directly from the private sector and by facilitating access by commercial launch firms to national launch and launch-related property and services they request to support these commercial operations.

The current mixed fleet includes the Space Shuttle and four expendable launch vehicles — Titan, Atlas, Delta and Scout. New small class launch vehicles, including Pegasus, are in development. In addition, studies are underway to assure that the United States has cost-effective, reliable access to space, heavy-lift launch capability, and a new manned spacecraft after the current Space Shuttle reaches the end of its operational life. This paper will highlight the current capabilities of the mixed fleet and summarize the plans for new or modified United States launch vehicles through the first decade of the next century.