Space transportation system
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Future of Space Transportation Systems
Evolutionary Space Transportation Architecture
Recent studies by Orbital have proposed a low-risk, evolutionary space transportation architecture aimed at significantly reducing NASA's future launch costs and improving crew safety. This architecture includes a multifunctional vehicle known as the Space TaxiTM, which serves multiple roles such as an emergency crew return vehicle for the International Space Station (ISS), a two-way human space transportation system, a small cargo delivery and return vehicle, and a passenger module for a future Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)1. Initially, the Space Taxi would be launched on a heavy-lift Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV), with plans to later transition to a two-stage, commercially developed RLV to further reduce costs and enhance reliability, safety, and performance1.
Multidisciplinary Design Optimization
Advancements in the conceptual design and analysis of space transportation systems have been driven by progress in both disciplinary modeling and optimization methods. These models, which include physics-based and empirical approaches, require diverse integration and optimization techniques to enable automated, multidisciplinary design systems. Various optimization methods such as parameter, gradient-based, stochastic, and collaborative approaches have been applied to launch vehicle design, with a primary goal of achieving a design-to-cost capability2.
Advanced Winged Space Transportation Systems
NASA Langley Research Center has conducted extensive studies on advanced winged space transportation systems, focusing on both single-stage-to-orbit and two-stage concepts. These studies highlight the impact of technology on reducing vehicle size and weight, aiming for operational readiness in the late 1990s and beyond3.
Reusable Space Transportation Systems
The design of reusable space transportation systems involves aerospace vehicles that are injected into orbit by means of first and second stages. Various configurations of these systems have been considered to enhance efficiency and reusability4. Emphasis on high reliability, safety, and improved ground and flight operations is crucial for developing more efficient and capable systems5.
Space Shuttle Program
The Space Shuttle Program was initiated to create an economical space transportation system. The program's objectives included providing a versatile platform for space science research and payload planning activities. Despite budget concerns, the Shuttle has demonstrated significant capabilities and remains a state-of-the-art achievement in space transportation6 8.
NASA's Integrated Space Transportation Plan
NASA's integrated space transportation plan aims to improve the safety, reliability, and affordability of current and future space transportation systems. Initiatives such as the X-33, X-34, and X-37 programs have been launched to demonstrate technologies that could achieve these goals. The plan emphasizes the need for continued development along multiple paths and collaboration with industry to align with commercial capabilities7.
Commercial Cargo and Crew Transportation
To stimulate the commercial space industry and support the ISS's logistics needs post-Space Shuttle era, NASA initiated the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program. This initiative involved agreements with companies like Rocketplane Kistler and Space Exploration Technologies to demonstrate cargo and human transportation services to and from Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The program aims to make LEO more accessible and foster the growth of the commercial space sector9.
Italian Space Agency's Contributions
The Italian Space Agency is actively investing in space transportation systems to support space-based services such as telecommunications, navigation, and earth observation. Italy's efforts in this sector, both nationally and within the European framework, underscore its position as a leading player in the international space industry10.
Conclusion
The future of space transportation systems is marked by significant advancements in technology, design optimization, and international collaboration. Efforts to reduce costs, improve safety, and enhance reliability are driving the development of multifunctional and reusable vehicles. Initiatives like NASA's COTS program and contributions from international agencies like the Italian Space Agency are paving the way for a more accessible and sustainable space transportation infrastructure.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
A space transportation architecture for the future
A small, multifunctional vehicle called a Space Taxi could significantly reduce NASA's future launch costs and improve crew safety by serving as an emergency crew return vehicle, two-way human space transportation system, cargo delivery and return vehicle, and passenger module for a future Reusable Launch Vehicle.
Multidisciplinary Conceptual Design Optimization of Space Transportation Systems
This paper highlights progress in multidisciplinary conceptual design optimization methods for space transportation systems, aiming to enable design-to-cost capability in the future.
Results of studies on advanced winged space transportation systems
Advanced winged space transportation systems show potential for operational in the late 1990s and beyond, with technology influencing vehicle size and weight.
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