Comparison of Users' and Providers' Perceptions of Critical Spacelift Vehicle Characteristics and Capabilities.

摘要

This study compares spacelift vehicle users' and providers' perceptions of critical spacelift vehicle characteristics and capabilities. The researchers conducted a mail survey of military, commercial, and civil spacelift vehicle users and providers to determine a criticality rating for each of the 22 characteristics and capabilities identified through a literature review. Primary results of the study indicate: (1) the three most critical characteristics and capabilities are reliability, launch cost, and resilience; (2) the three least critical characteristics and capabilities are man-rateable, reusability, and gross lift-off weight; (3) only launch cost has a significantly different mean 'criticality rating among spacelift vehicle users and providers; and (4) 13 of the 22 characteristics and capabilities have significantly different mean criticality ratings between military and commercial respondents. The researchers conclude that differences between users' and providers' perceptions are inconsequential, but further study of military and commercial perceptions is necessary. Spacecraft, Space vehicles, Space transportation, Space systems, Space perceptions.