Cheap Access to Space
Cheap Access to Space
A Space Frontier Foundation White Paper
- "We Can Lick Gravity, But Sometimes The Paperwork Is Overwhelming."
- -- Dr. Wernher von Braun
Why Is Space Expensive?
It still costs $5,000 to $10,000per pound to launch something into low
Earth Orbit --
- Most rockets are "expendable" (i.e., throw-away).
- Even the Space Shuttle is only partially "recyclable."
- Most space launchers were designed to meet a military need for
performance.
- They are very complex systems, requiring a "standing
army" to launch.
- Most are operated by government or by contractors (not
commercial).
Is There Another Model?
Aviation started out commercially.
- Goal was cheaper, faster, better transportation for
customers.
- Market forces & private "prizes" spurred innovation and
efficiency.
- The emphasis was on reusability.
Aviation: A Model For Space
Role of government was supportive.
- Regulation for safety, not control.
- Customer of services (air mail).
- Technology enabler: civilian NACA & military both funded research
to assist industry.
The Road To Cheap Access
Reusable space transportation systems which are optimized
for commercial performance.
Market approach: Buying services from, and streamlining regulation of
a commercial launch industry.
Reusable Launch Vehicles
There has been substantial progress in developing aviation-style
reusable space vehicles since 1991: First in DoD; now in NASA, with
DoD support.
Focus is on Single Stage To Orbit ("SSTO") vehicles: 1-piece
simplicity...nothing thrown away or put back together again.
Initial SSTO project in DoD, the DC-X1, cost $60M, took less than two
years to first flight.
- DC-X1 was a 1/3rd scale, low altitude "X-rocket", proved 100%
reusability & airline-style operations (launch crew of 3).
- Five flights in '93 - '94; scheduled to complete program in
1995.
White House issued a Space Transportation Policy August
'94(PDD/NSTC-4).
- Calls on NASA to take lead in SSTO development.
- Directs DoD to continue SSTO participation in supporting role to NASA.
NASA joined SSTO effort in 1994, and began several technology
demos.
NASA will upgrade DC-X1 to the "DC-XA" along with test systems
and new advanced materials.
Next step is the "X-33" program to prove
SSTO capability, involve private sector investment.
Program to be NASA-led, with significant participation by Air Force
Phillips Laboratory.
- Phase 1: Design (now to Mid-'96).
- Phase 2: Experimental vehicle development & flight test program
('96 to '99).
- Phase 3: Commercial system development with initial operations
starting early 2000s.
X-33 Program
About $1 billion for a single-track program.
About $1.5 billion for a "fly-off"
Competition increases reliability and performance; lowers cost in long
run.
...Compare this to the cost of $500M for ONE Shuttle flight.
Phase 3: Commercial Approach
Commercial Approach: Government provides:
- some guarantee of launch service purchase
- streamlines regulations (certifying vehicles, not
single launches)
This will encourage private companies to develop operational
SSTOs and provide services to government and private customers.
Space Commercialization
A positive feedback loop ----
- Lowering the cost of space access makes it possible for more
commercial space ventures...
- Which increases the market for space transportation services...
- Rewarding lowest-cost providers...
- Encouraging further SSTO innovation, lowering the cost of space
access.
Commercializing space requires change:
- Government shifts role from being manager of space to being technology
enabler, tax/regulation support, & customer of space goods & services.
- Omnibus Commercial Space Legislation will be considered by Ways &
Means & by Science Committee in the House this year.
End result: Dramatic increase in government revenues from newspace
industries while spending less on "space program".
What Needs Doing In '95
- Get release of $30M appropriated for DoD's supportive X-33 role
for FY '95.
- Get full funding of NASA's FY '96 X-33 program (more if there's
to be a fly-off).
- Add $50M to Air Force for X-33 for FY '96.
- Pass the Omnibus Commercial Space bill.
Return to X-33 Home Page for Space Activists