Session
Technical Session VII: Launch Vehicles
Abstract
The small class of expendable launch vehicles (ELV's) is the most dynamic and has experienced the largest entry of commercial entrepreneurial activity both in the United States and abroad over the past few years. Small class ELV's can deliver payloads weighing up to approximately 1,000 Ibs. to low earth orbit. Until 1989, the only flight demonstrated vehicles in this class were the US. Scout, the Japanese MU IIS, and the Chinese Long March I. All of these vehicles were developed under government contracts to meet specific government requirements. The Scout vehicle leads tile pack with an impressive history of 112 flights, with 98% reliability over the last 20 years.
Compendium of Small Class ELV Capabilities, Costs, and Constraints
The small class of expendable launch vehicles (ELV's) is the most dynamic and has experienced the largest entry of commercial entrepreneurial activity both in the United States and abroad over the past few years. Small class ELV's can deliver payloads weighing up to approximately 1,000 Ibs. to low earth orbit. Until 1989, the only flight demonstrated vehicles in this class were the US. Scout, the Japanese MU IIS, and the Chinese Long March I. All of these vehicles were developed under government contracts to meet specific government requirements. The Scout vehicle leads tile pack with an impressive history of 112 flights, with 98% reliability over the last 20 years.
