The Launch Cost Bottleneck

Space operations are very costly. This simple state mentis widely accepted as true and is the major deterrent to the full utilization of space. This discussion concentrates on the major contributor to space operations cost: the launch system. It will be shown, initially, how high current space operations costs are. The launch vehicle is a major element in the overall system operations cost. Extremely high launch costs are the major deterrent to increased space traffic. However, if space traffic is not maintained or increased, our entire space utilization potential may disappear. Low-cost launch systems are needed now to ensure growth. We may be at a turning point. Next, several low-cost launch-system concepts are discussed, including the low-cost expendable, 1-1/2 stage or drop tank concept and the Triamese reusable launch vehicle/spacecraft concept