Many exciting new opportunities in space, both government missions and business ventures, could be realized by a reduction in launch prices. Reusable launch vehicle (RLV) designs have the potential to lower launch costs dramatically from those of today's expendable and partially-expendable vehicles. Unfortunately, governments must budget to support existing launch capability, and so lack the resources necessary to completely fund development of new reusable systems. In addition, the new commercial space markets are too immature and uncertain to motivate the launch industry to undertake a project of this magnitude and risk. Low-cost launch vehicles will not be developed without a mature market to service; however, launch prices must be reduced in order for a commercial launch market to mature. This paper estimates and discusses the various benefits that may be reaped from government incentives for a commercial reusable launch vehicle program.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Benefits of Government Incentives for Reusable Launch Vehicle Development


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    International Astronautical Federation
    Commercialization of Space Activities


    Publication date :

    1998-01-01


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Benefits of Government Incentives for Reusable Launch Vehicle Development

    Shaw, E. / Hamaker, J. / Prince, F. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1998




    Reusable launch vehicle

    Online Contents | 1996