This study compares the developmental, production, and maintenance costs (DPM) of twostage- to-orbit (TSTO) expendable (ELV), hybrid (HLV), and reusable (RLV) launch systems. This comparison was accomplished using top level mass and cost estimating relations (MERs, CERs). Mass estimating relationships were correlated to existing launch system data and ongoing launch system studies. Cost estimating relations were derived from Dr. Dietrich Koelle's 'Handbook of Cost Engineering for Space Transportation Systems'. Hybrid launch vehicles appear to be preferable if current or modest increases in launch rates are projected while reusable launch vehicles appear preferable for large projected increases in launch rates.
Cost Comparison Of Expendable, Hybrid and Reusable Launch Vehicles
2006
118 pages
Report
No indication
English
Cost Effectiveness Comparison Between Expendable and Reusable Launch Vehicles
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1998
|AIAA-2006-7211 Cost Comparison of Expendable, Hybrid, and Reusable Launch Vehicles
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2006
|Low-cost expendable launch vehicles
AIAA | 1992
Key Note: Future Launch Vehicles - Expendable and Reusable Elements
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2001
|