2269. Cost and Weight Considerations for Transportation Systems
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Paper
Abstract
A number of alternatives are being examined under cooperative agreements between NASA and the aerospace industry for reusable launch vehicles that can transport cargo and personnel economically to and from space. The trades involved are complex and difficult to make. A discussion of some of the trades that are involved include vehicle body shape (circular versus oblate), oxidizer forward versus aft, and cargo bay shape and size. Preliminary proposals from the aerospace industry include a lifting body, a wing-body, and a conically-shaped vehicle that takes off and lands vertically. The first phase of the study is to last fifteen months at which point a decision will be made as to whether or not an experimental vehicle or vehicles will be built.