Characteristics of a Reusable First Stage in Ground Effect

摘要

The Air Force previously identified the reusable first stage concept as a promising approach to meet its future space lift needs. The reusable first stage consists of an autonomous, reusable, rocket-powered first stage with an expendable upper stage stack. The reusable first stage launches vertically and carries the expendable stack to its staging point. From the staging point, the reusable first stage returns directly to the launch base, landing aircraft-style on a runway.