Two-Stage Reusable Launch System Utilizing a Winged Core Vehicle and Glideback Boosters

摘要

A near-term technology launch system is described in which Space Shuttle main engines are used on a manned orbiter and also on twin strap-on unmanned boosters. The orbiter has a circular body and clipped delta wings. The twin strap-on boosters have a circular body and deployable oblique wings for a glideback recovery. The dry and gross weights of the system, capable of delivering 70 klb of cargo to orbit, are compared with a similar system with hydrocarbon-fueled boosters and with the current Shuttle.