Segmented Launch Vehicle Risk Reduction Program

A Phase II program is proposed to address fundamental technical and cost risks associated with the Segmented Launch Vehicle (SLV) concept. The SLV is an innovative, largely unexplored approach that will significantly reduce the cost of delivering cargo toLow Earth Orbit. A family of vehicles is being developed to service small (4,000lbm), medium (30,000lbm), and large (100,000lbm) commercial and Government markets. The heavy-lift SLV-H version represents an enabling technology for an operational SpaceBased Laser because of superior performance to LEO (100,000lbm), significantly lower recurring cost ($780/lbm), and a competitive non-recurring development cost compared with competing systems. Technical feasibility and cost savings potential for the SLVapproach was demonstrated in Phase I through simulation and analysis. Phase II will validate critical engineering and financial assumptions used in these analyses through the design, manufacture and test of representative propulsion system hardware. Theproduct of this effort will be engineering data, refined cost data, and prototype hardware. The Segmented Launch Vehicle family will have broad commercial and military application. Viable commercial markets include communications satellites, interplanetarymissions, International Space Station resupply, and deployment of a wide range of military assets.