Space-based orbital transfer vehicle

Abstract

The objectives of the Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) Concept Definition and Systems Analysis study, conducted by General Dynamics Space Systems Division under company funds with data provided to NASA-MSFC, were to define the requirements, concepts, and evolutionary approaches for development of an OTV for reusable operations to GEO and beyond, including manned access; assess the requirements of space basing; and define the interaction between the OTV and Space Station. The study focused primarily on answering fundamental OTV questions: whether the OTV should be reusable or expendable; ground-based or space-based; cryogenic or storable; delivered in the STS cargo bay or the ACC; single-stage, two-stage, or with modular tanks; aeroassisted or all-propulsive; and whether it should use a new advanced engine or an RL-10 derivative. Major effort centered on concept generation, evaluation, and selection; operations and Space Station accommodations; system analysis and evaluation; and program definition. Study findings show that mission requirements and substantial economic benefits justify a reusable, cryogenic H 2 O 2 ), space-based OTV. The success of the Space Shuttle has demonstrated the effectiveness of reusable launch vehicles to Low Earth Orbit. With reusability extended to OTVs and with the coming of the Space Station, a new era in orbital transfer operations will offer lower cost for payload users and open the way for manned exploration of the solar system.