The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).
(U) Boost and Orbit Transfer Propulsion Technology
(U) The Boost and Orbit Transfer Propulsion Technology Thrust addresses military and NASA deficiencies in spacecraft propulsion systems. The following critical propulsion deficiencies are the focus of this Thrust:
1. (U) SPACELIFT - High Performance, Advanced, Cryogenic and Liquid Rocket Propellants and Engines, Low Cost Solid and Hybrid Motors, Low Cost Manufacturing, High Performance Low Cost Expendable Engines, Solar Thermal Propulsion (for Orbit Transfer), Advanced Orbit Transfer Concepts, and Manufacturing Technologies.
2. (U) GLOBAL DETERRENCE - Motor Aging and Surveillance.
3. (U) CONVENTIONAL DETERRENCE - Missile Propulsion Material Applications, Global Range and Survivability, Missile Propulsion Technology, Missile Propellant Non-Destructive Test Technology, Solid Rocket Motor Manufacturing, and Reliability.
4. (U) RECONNAISSANCE/SURVEILLANCE - Large Payload Spacelift Systems.
5. (U) NASA - Advanced Reusable Spacelift, Low Cost Reliable Access to Space.
(U) The Boost and Orbit Transfer Propulsion Technology Thrust Area deficiencies will be fulfilled by achieving the goals set forth in the Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology (IHPRPT) initiative. IHPRPT's vision is to double spacelift propulsion capability by 2010 through the development of advanced, innovative rocket propulsion technology.
(U) By 2000, the IHPRPT spacelift goals will:
ø increase expendable payload to orbit capability by 9% or reusable payload to orbit capability by 71% (over the life of the reusable system) and
ø reduce payload launch costs by 19%.
(U) By 2000, the IHPRPT orbit transfer goals will:
ø double repositioning capabilities (double number of repositioning maneuvers) or
ø increase allowable satellite mass by 10%.
(U) By 2010, the IHPRPT spacelift goals will:
ø increase expendable payload to orbit capability by 22% or reusable payload to orbit capability by 206% (over the life of the reusable system) and
ø reduce payload launch costs by 42%.
(U) By 2010, the IHPRPT orbit transfer goals will:
ø increase repositioning capability by 5 times or
ø increase allowable satellite mass by 30%.
(U) These technology achievements will be included in the next generation space systems in addition to upgrades for existing space vehicles. The major challenges to achieving the spacelift goals are addressed by programs which:
ø apply advanced materials to increase the life and decrease the weight of components
ø integrate health management sensors in the design of components eliminating the high cost of retrofitting these sensors
ø investigate combustion technology and improve current engine designs to make stable, reliable, low cost propulsion engines for boost and orbit transfer
ø coordinate efforts closely within the Government and Industry to lower development costs for everyone involved.
IHPRPT is based on cooperative efforts with Army, Navy, NASA, AF, and all US propulsion companies.
Related Initiatives (U):
Related Categories (U):
Road Map Placements (U):
Requirements, Funding and Additional Hotlinks (U):
Date Of Information (U):
(U) 21 November 1997
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(U) For comments/suggestions contact: Office of the National Security Space Architect (NSSA), 571-432-1300.
(U) Road Map Production Date: 18 June 2001
The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).