Abstract: Scorpius® is a Microcosm program, under two Phase III Small Business Innovation Research contracts at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate. The Scorpius® program is to develop an entirely new launch vehicle family with the objective...
Abstract: Scorpius® is a Microcosm program to develop an entirely new launch vehicle family with the objective of reducing total launch cost by a factor of 5 to 10. This paper reports on progress and problems since the inception of the program in 1993. System level...
Abstract: Human lunar colonization has been studied at length, with the broad conclusion that it is technically feasible, but costs far too much. Even assuming a factor of 50 launch cost reduction, traditional models suggest that a lunar colony supporting 1,000 people...
Abstract: Major cost reductions in planetary missions, especially those with high launch energy requirements, are made possible by a modified launch mode in which part of the total launch energy is generated by onboard propulsion rather than by the launch vehicle....
Abstract: Primary mission objectives for most deepspace missions to date have emphasized acquiring scientific data and expanding our understanding of the solar system; some contemporary missions target advanced technology demonstration with science as a secondary...