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Reusable Booster System Review and Assessment (2012) / Chapter Skim
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Summary
Pages 1-5

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
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From page 1...
... The Air Force Research Laboratory has been developing many of the technologies that underpin the RBS concept, including hydrocarbon booster and vehicle technologies. Its Pathfinder project is under way to demonstrate the critical aspects of the rocketback RTLS operation, including propellant management and vehicle control using a small-scale flight-test vehicle.
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From page 2...
... The Air Force Space Command asked the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board of the National Research Council to conduct an independent review and assessment of the RBS concept prior to considering a continuation of RBS-related activities within the Air Force Research Laboratory portfolio and before initiating a more extensive RBS development program. The Committee for the Reusable Booster System: Review and Assessment was formed in response to that request and charged with reviewing and assessing the criteria and assumptions used in the current RBS plans, the cost model methodologies used to frame the RBS business case, and the technical maturity and development plans of key elements critical to RBS implementation.
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From page 3...
... The Air Force Space Command has identified a long-term S&T objective for achieving full-spectrum launch capabilities at significantly reduced costs, and reusability remains an option for realizing this objective. A robust reusable system might have additional benefits beside reduced costs, including replenishment of satellites on demand; deployment of distributed constellations; rapid deployment; robust launch operations from multiple defendable launch sites; and operability by Air Force personnel.
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From page 4...
... Since these requirements can drive vehicle and technology needs, it is imperative that the Air Force define nominal responsiveness goals to provide a focus for research and development activities. Recommendation 2: Independent of any decision to proceed with RBS development, the Air Force should proceed with technology development in the following key areas: reusable oxygen-rich, staged combustion hydrocarbon-fueled engines; rocketback return-to-launch-site operations; vehicle health management systems; and adaptive guidance and control systems.
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From page 5...
... The review and evaluation of the RBS concept within this transition period is inherently difficult, but the committee firmly believes that the future of U.S. space launch will be strong if the technology developments recommended in this study are coupled with innovative designs and approaches to achieve cost-effective and robust launch systems.
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Key Terms

  • rbs business
  • force space
  • force launch
  • rbs development
  • space command

  • reusable booster
  • space launch
  • launch manifest
  • launch capabilities
  • successful completion

  • uncertainties associated
  • current rbs
  • commercial launch
  • launch capability
  • launch vehicles

  • cost uncertainties
  • vehicle health
  • rocketback rtls
  • health management
  • launch vehicle

  • baseline rbs
  • robust launch
  • launch operations
  • cost model
  • vehicle design

  • operational costs
  • industry standard
  • technical risks
  • pathfinder program
  • commercial providers


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