Paper Session I-C - The Role of the University in Commercial Launch Activities

Success of the U.S. in the international space arena depends largely on our ability to reduce the cost-to-orbit of payloads. To reduce costs, significant effort must be expended to upgrade commercial launch vehicles, processing facilities and operational procedures. The universities have much to contribute to such an effort. This paper discusses the positive role that universities can play in helping industry and government be more successful in commercial space. Activities include needs assessments* problem definition, research, test and evaluation, business assistance, and education. Emphasis is placed on establishing a permanent capability to continuously advance launch systems technology, and on developing education and research programs that are complementary to each other