Concepts of Operations for a Reusable Launch Space Vehicle

The US military must be prepared to take advantage of reusable launch vehicles should the NASA-led effort to develop an RLV demonstrator prove successful. The focus of this research was an explanation of how the US military could use RLVs by describing and analyzing two concepts of operations. Four assumptions which guided the research are worthy of mention. First, the estimate that RLV technology will become operationally feasible by 2012 is reasonable. Second, a fiscally constrained environment will continue. Third, the US government will continue to support growth and development of the US commercial spacelift industry and encourage dual-use, or perhaps triple-use, of related facilities and systems. Fourth, the US Government's national security strategy will continue to emphasize international leadership and engagement to further its political, economic, and security objectives.