Abstract
Currently available launch vehicles cannot support logistically the human exploration of the Moon and Mars in the next century. They are too small and too expensive for this job. Past studies have shown that the costs of programs leading to the acquisition and operation of extraterrestrial bases are driven by the space transportation system, which accounts for about two-thirds of total program costs. Consequently, more emphasis has to be placed on the question of the next-generation launch vehicles to be developed. This paper attempts to define the problem at hand and to give an overview of the options and trends to be expected. The issues of expendable versus reusable, as well as small versus heavy lift launchers are discussed. Specific transportation costs for low Earth orbit as well as high-energy missions are presented for selected space transportation system concepts.
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