Paper Session I-A - Shuttle Evolution for the 1990's
Start Date
25-4-1989 2:00 PM
Description
Achieving the goal of extending human presence in space requires launch systems of high reliability, enhanced passenger carrying capability, and a reduction in operational costs. High reliability can be best achieved through a dedicated program of upgrades in systems and operations based on actual flight experience. Realistic cost reductions can only be obtained given a well understood operations concept and the resources and facilities required to carry out day-to-day ground and flight operations. This knowledge, combined with a new perspective of long-term requirements has resulted in evolution of the Shuttle system as a viable option for the 1990's through the turn of the century.
The Shuttle evolution strategy presented in this paper proves that reliable, low-cost transportation can be achieved through a process of continous enhancement and evolution of existing systems. While the evolutionary strategy incorporates new technology to achieve this goal, it also takes into account experiences with real, operational systems.
Paper Session I-A - Shuttle Evolution for the 1990's
Achieving the goal of extending human presence in space requires launch systems of high reliability, enhanced passenger carrying capability, and a reduction in operational costs. High reliability can be best achieved through a dedicated program of upgrades in systems and operations based on actual flight experience. Realistic cost reductions can only be obtained given a well understood operations concept and the resources and facilities required to carry out day-to-day ground and flight operations. This knowledge, combined with a new perspective of long-term requirements has resulted in evolution of the Shuttle system as a viable option for the 1990's through the turn of the century.
The Shuttle evolution strategy presented in this paper proves that reliable, low-cost transportation can be achieved through a process of continous enhancement and evolution of existing systems. While the evolutionary strategy incorporates new technology to achieve this goal, it also takes into account experiences with real, operational systems.
Comments
NSTS – The Next Generation
Session Chairman: Jack Harden, Associate Director, STS Management and Operations, NASA KSC
Session Organizer: Karin Biega, Mission Planning Office, STS Management and Operations, NASA KSC