Evaluating Philosophy in Launch Vehicle Programs 690718
Analyses of economical orbital payload delivery systems generally indicate that the most fruitful areas for cost reduction lie within modified management, test, and operational philosophies. A recent study identifies the costs associated with processes, tests, operations, and other elements necessary to create, produce, and utilize a launch vehicle system under current philosophies. From this base, it is possible to examine the relative merits of alternatives to current management, test, and operational approaches. This paper discusses some of the issues and the facts involved, and deduces some potential methods for implementing cost-effectiveness in launch vehicle programs.
