From Earth to Orbit

If the United States hopes to continue as a leader in space, it must invest now in better earth-to-orbit technology by replacing obsolete launch facilities while also developing a new class of more robust and reliable vehicles.From Earth to Orbit provides strategies to reduce launch costs while increasing the reliability and resiliency of vehicles. It also recommends continued improvements for the Space Shuttle Orbiter and its subsystems and the development of a Space Transportation Main Engine (STME).Table of ContentsFront MatterList of Figures and TablesSummary of Key Findings and RecommendationsTerms, Acronyms, and Abbreviations1 Introduction2 A Path to a Desirable National Space Launch System3 Projected Launch Requirements4 Launch Vehicle Options5 Propulsion Capabilities for Earth-to-Orbit Launch Vehicle6 Technology DevelopmentBiographical Sketches of Committee MembersAppendix A An Approach to Space InfrastructureAppendix B List of ParticipantsAppendix C Bibliography