Results from the NASA Heavy Lift Launch System Study

Abstract

This paper documents the results and findings by the Orbital Science Corporation (“Orbital”) while performing the NASA Heavy Lift and Propulsion Systems Analysis and Trade Study (“HLS Study”). The study explored enhanced U.S. Research and Development (R&D) investments in new launch vehicle propulsion and launch system development essential to extending the U.S. presence within the solar system, and to regaining the preeminence in space launch that our Nation once commanded. For this study Orbital assessed NASA’s Exploration goals and objectives and translated them into clearly definable, executable steps leading to the accelerated development of evolutionary launch systems, launch vehicles, and propulsion system elements. This paper discusses Orbital’s findings and provides a clear connection between NASA’s Exploration system requirements and optimal launch vehicle sizing and performance, particularly for the lift-off and injection portions of Heavy Lift missions. This paper also emphasizes the broader applications of technology elements needed for a Heavy Lift System, and shows the benefits of their incorporation into other U.S. launch systems and in launch applications for other users.