FUNDAMENTALS AND ISSUES IN LAUNCH VEHICLE DESIGN

The fundamentals of launch vehicle design are examined using simplifie d single-stage, two-stage, and Space Shuttle performance equations. Th e single-stage to-orbit launch vehicle is very sensitive to the perfor mance-critical parameters of mass efficiency, propulsion efficiency, a nd loss management. Cost and operations coupled in the performance equ ation further complicates the design process. Launch vehicle design is optimized tr hen the performance and programmatic drivers are balance d. Programmatic drivers include affordability, reusability, operabilit y, abort/safety, and reliability. The issues, disciplines, and potenti al problems that characterize the building of a future launch system a re presented. The history of the Space Shuttle is used as the benchmar k exampl. Robustness is the hey to uncoupling the design factors so th at optimization can occur, but typically robust designs define low-per formance systems. Future space launch vehicles must develop new techno logies to reshape the design parameter sensitivities of the robustness and performance functions.