Space Launch Systems

Launch System

• A lunch system consists of a basic launch vehicle incorporating one or more stages and
an infrastructure for ground support.

• It places the payload into the desired orbit with a functional spacecraft attitude.

• Space launch systems are unique forms of transportation since they are the only the
systems that accelerate continuously throughout their performance envelop.

• Consequently velocity is the fundamental measure of performance for launch systems.

• A launch system’s ability to achieve orbital velocity comes primarily from its propulsion
efficiency, with vehicle weight and drag acting against it.

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 Selection of Launch Systems

Launch System Selection Process

• Step -1 : To establish the mission needs and objectives, since they dictate the
performance, trajectory and family of vehicles which can operate from suitable sites.
Required information
Number of spacecraft per launch
Spacecraft dry weight
Spacecraft dimensions
Mission orbit
Mission timeline
Funding constraints

• Step -2: Identify and analyze acceptable configurations for the launch system
Required information
Weight of spacecraft propellant
Orbit-insertion stage weight
Weight of booster adaptor
Performance margin available
Boosted weight capability
Reliability
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 Selection of Launch Systems

Launch System Selection Process

• Step -3 : Select launch systems for spacecraft design. During conceptual design, identify
several potential launch systems to make the launch more likely
Required information
Boosted weight capability
Cost
Performance margin available
Reliability
Schedule vs. vehicle availability
Launch availability
• Step -4: Determine spacecraft design envelope and environments dictated by the launch
system selected.
Required information
Faring size and shape
Maximum accelerations
Vibration frequencies and magnitudes
Acoustic frequencies and magnitudes
Temperature extremes
Air cleanliness
Orbital insertion accuracy, interfaces to launch site and vehicle
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 Selection of Launch Systems

Launch System Selection Process

• Step -5 : Iterate to meet constraints on performance, cost, risk and schedule.

Document and maintain the criteria, decision process and data to support
program and changes.

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