This paper describes an evolutionary family concept of Saturn V derivative launch vehicle systems, discusses their performance capabilities, and outlines their ability to perform orbital and high-energy missions at minimum total program cost. The versatility and utility of the Saturn V launch vehicle system have been well publicized with respect to its ability to inject sizeable exploratory payloads throughout the Solar System and with respect to its earth orbital capability to exploit near earth by utilizing a manned space station derived from the third stage. The complete flexibility of the evolutionary Saturn V system is identified through derivative launch vehicle concepts which utilize a “common core” design. These vehicles demonstrate potential ability to span the earth orbital and planetary pay-load spectrum. The validity of this evolutionary concept is analyzed and derivative candidates are evaluated in terms of design commonality and traffic levels. Resources and schedule information is provided for an evolutionary development plan that could satisfy civilian space exploitation requirements for the foreseeable future. The theme is maximum utilization of present equipment, facilities, Saturn V hardware items and engineering techniques to insure compatibility of present and future designs.
