Next-generation launch vehicles

Abstract

The requirements of the Constellation Program mean that NASA must transition from being an agency focused on low Earth orbit (LEO) operations to developing transportation modes capable of exploring the Moon, Mars, and beyond. As the Space Shuttle is capable of flying only to LEO, and because of the vehicle’s complexity and high fixed operating costs, NASA chose to retire the Shuttle by September 2010. To support manned lunar missions a new family of launch vehicles (LVs) was required and the Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS) team was chartered to develop and evaluate viable launch system configurations for a Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) and a Cargo Launch Vehicle (CaLV).