NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Fact sheet number: FS-2003-02-28-MSFC
Release date: 02/03

The Space Launch Initiative:
Technology to pioneer the space frontier

NASA's Space Launch Initiative is the key to opening the space frontier for continued scientific exploration and economic expansion - improving safety, reliability and affordability for government and private industry.

The Initiative, which began in February 2001, was designed to identify feasible options for future NASA space transportation and enable a decision regarding whether the agency should proceed into full-scale development of a new reusable launch vehicle system. With that task accomplished, the Initiative has evolved to serve as a theme for two emerging programs - the Orbital Space Plane and Next Generation Launch Technology programs. These new programs were directed through NASA's Integrated Space Transportation Plan revised in November 2002.

Orbital Space Plane Program

The design and development of a next-generation crew transport vehicle is one of the objectives of the Space Launch Initiative. The Orbital Space Plane is intended to provide crew and limited cargo access to and from the International Space Station.

Initially, NASA intends for development of the Orbital Space Plane to result in a crew rescue vehicle for the Station, enabling a larger permanent crew to occupy the orbiting research facility and depart safely in the event of an emergency. This early version of the plane, expected to enter service within the decade, would be launched on top of an expendable rocket.

By 2012, the Orbital Space Plane will be used to ferry crew and light cargo to the Space Station. In time, the project could become the foundation for a crew transfer vehicle routinely flown to space on a new launch vehicle.

Based largely on existing technologies, the Orbital Space Plane would provide safe, affordable access to the International Space Station. The Orbital Space Plane program is more than a spacecraft. The program will take an integrated systems approach to design the entire space transportation system — including ground operations, space vehicle and all supporting technologies needed to conduct a mission to and from the International Space Station. In addition, flight demonstrators such as the X-37 vehicle will flight test advancing technologies to reduce the risk of future reusable launch vehicle systems including the Orbital Space Plane.

Next Generation Launch Technology Program

The first step of identifying technologies needed to create a new, safe, cost-effective launch system is to generate an integrated technology plan.

The next step is developing and maturing technologies in key areas, such as propulsion, structures and integrated vehicle systems. The Next Generation Launch Technology Program will combine previous Space Launch Initiative research and development efforts with cutting-edge, advanced space-transportation programs to increase the safety, reliability and cost-effectiveness associated with developing the nation's next-generation reusable launch vehicle. The program will place emphasis in reusable kerosene engine designs and — in concert with Department of Defense initiatives — on a variety of launch system technologies, including development of air-breathing hypersonic propulsion systems.

Within two years, NASA expects to decide how it will pursue development of a reusable launch vehicle.

The Space Launch Initiative: Looking forward

This Initiative will ultimately move the nation from the exploration ages of the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle missions to a new period of pioneering — one in which people and businesses commonly travel, work and live in space.

The Orbital Space Plane and Next Generation Launch Technology programs will revitalize the nation's space transportation capabilities while dramatically improving transportation capabilities for NASA's science and exploration missions.

The Space Launch Initiative is the work of a nation, involving NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, academia and private companies from around the country. All NASA field centers and the Air Force Research Laboratory are actively participating in the Space Launch Initiative and are vital to its success.

Further information on the Space Launch Initiative can be found at:

http://www.slinews.com/