Paper Session I-A - Shuttle Evolution for the 1990\u27s

Achieving the goal of extending human presence in space requires launch systems of high reliability, enhanced passenger carrying capability, and a reduction in operational costs. High reliability can be best achieved through a dedicated program of upgrades in systems and operations based on actual flight experience. Realistic cost reductions can only be obtained given a well understood operations concept and the resources and facilities required to carry out day-to-day ground and flight operations. This knowledge, combined with a new perspective of long-term requirements has resulted in evolution of the Shuttle system as a viable option for the 1990\u27s through the turn of the century. The Shuttle evolution strategy presented in this paper proves that reliable, low-cost transportation can be achieved through a process of continous enhancement and evolution of existing systems. While the evolutionary strategy incorporates new technology to achieve this goal, it also takes into account experiences with real, operational systems