tailieunhanh - Evaluation Criteria For Space Transportation System Concepts

Major objectives of the next generation space transportation system (STS) are outlined and the initial impetus for considering a new STS stems from a need for cost reduction in space operations, other objectives related to flexibility and versatility of the transportation system may ultimately be just as important as the number of the major objectives in the areas of | EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR SPACE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM CONCEPTS Deane N. Morris January 1970 P-4293 EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR SPACE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM CONCEPTS Deane N. Morris The RAND Corporation Santa Monica California Abstract The major objectives of the next generation space transportation system are outlined and discussed. Although the initial impetus for considering a new STS stems from a need for cost reduction in space operations other objectives related to flexibility and versatility of the transportation system may ultimately be just as important as the economics. A number of the major objectives in the areas of economics operations and design are described. The measure of satisfaction of these objectives is a key element in developing evaluation or selection criteria. Also important are issues related to the specified operational requirements and the approach chosen for system development. Some of the implications of these issues on the selection process are discussed briefly. INTRODUCTION It is fairly easy to specify desirable attributes of a next-generation space transportation system but it is much more difficult to select a comprehensive set of criteria to comparatively evaluate competing systems. These criteria must combine quantitative comparisons with qualitative judgments one goal with another. While the major criteria for STS selection have tended to be economic other criteria may in the future prove to be as important. A A Any views expressed in this paper are those of the author. They should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of The RAND Corporation or the official opinion or policy of any of its governmental or private research sponsors. Papers are reproduced by The RAND Corporation as a courtesy to members of its staff. This paper was prepared for presentation at an AIAA Advanced Space Transportation Meeting held in Cocoa Beach Florida February 5 .