The purpose of this investigation was to determine the means of minimizing the value of the criterion either by decreasing costs or increasing payload. The use of clusterable modules of various thrust levels in both upper and lower steps, 0.6- to 10.0-million pounds of thrust, was studied and shown to have economic merit. Effects of chamber-pressure increases, engine type, and upper-step propellants on the criterion were also studied. No advantage existed for the first and last items but an advantage did exist for the plug-type engine. A study of hydrogen-tank-insulation requirements indicated it was necessary and economically defensible. A solid-propellant booster and a monopropellant vehicle were studied, compared to the hydrogen/oxygen vehicle, and found to be less economical. The state-of-the-art of cost reduction in engine and vehicle development and production was investigated, evaluation tools were described, and exploratory cost-reduction studies were completed. (Author)
Cost Optimized Booster System Studies
1961
10 pages
Report
No indication
English
Cost Optimized Booster System Studies
NTIS | 1961
USAF Cost Optimized Booster System Studies
NTIS | 1961
AIAA | 1977
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