Space Shuttle/high energy upper stage capabilities for the 1990's

Abstract

Possible performance gains and cost reductions available through the evolution of succeedingly larger unmanned, and then manned, orbital transfer vehicles (OTV) as Shuttle upper stages are projected. Future missions could include delivery of 10,000 lb to GEO, planetary missions in the 2000-12,000 lb class, 30-42 ft payloads in the 5000-10,000 lb class, and manned and unmanned satellite servicing by the turn of the century. The vehicles could evolve from the Centaur F vehicle through stages of all-propulsive configurations to aerobraked, fully reusable vehicles. Reusability introduces cost savings and the ability to make plane changes. Furthermore, aerobraking will double the payload capability for round trip journeys to GEO, bringing costs down to $7000/lb.