Transcript Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Way Ahead -

Responsive Space
Conference
Space Needs Panel
Session
Lt Col Tim Thompson
20 Apr 04
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AFSPC Operationally Responsive Space Need
• Major tasks
• Transport mission assets to, through and from
space
• Spacecraft servicing
• Key capabilities
• On-demand payload deployment (CAV and
satellites)
• Launch to sustain constellations for peacetime ops
• Recoverable, rapid-response transport
• Integrated space operations mission planning
• Key characteristics
• Responsive, maneuverable, economical,
survivable, flexible, interoperable
JROC-Validated Mission Needs Statement (Apr 02)
2004 Responsive Space Conference
7/17/2015
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ORS Analysis of Alternatives
• Determine military utility of potential capabilities that ORS
can provide to meet National Security needs across all
AFSPC mission areas
- Force Application
- Counterspace
- Force Enhancement
- Space Support
• Evaluate range of candidate solutions for the ORS Mission
Needs Statement
• Launch emphasis, with insight into other capabilities
• Develop launch alternatives
• Broad trade space: expendable, reusable, hybrid; rocket
and air breathers
• Determine life cycle cost/risk for each alternative
• Provide acquisition strategy and technology/risk mitigation
roadmap for a potential ORS acquisition decision
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AoA Findings
• AoA results identified key risk areas and
uncertainties that must be addressed prior to
acquisition decision
• Spacelift ground processing timelines
• RLV and small ELV production costs
• RLV technology maturation
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AFRL-AFSPC TacSat Initiative
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OVERALL OBJECTIVE - Build an executable plan to demonstrate
TacSats in warfighter experiments, exercises, and wargames to
reduce risks in future responsive space systems acquisition
TACSAT CHARACTERISTICS
• Responsive
• Development < 15 Months
• Launch from Call-Up < 7 days
• Operational from Orbital Insertion < 1 day
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• Integrated Spacecraft Weight ~ 1000 Lb
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
• Launch on 12 month centers
• Build upon on-going TacSat-1 and TacSat-2 programs
• Leverage DARPA/AF FALCON program booster development
• Community-wide participation
• Government – AFSPC/NRO/DARPA/ONR/AFMC(AFRL)
• Industry
• Academia
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Goal for first operational system spiral IOC – 2011
Contribute to energizing small satellite/launcher industrial base
2004 Responsive Space Conference
7/17/2015
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Vision for Joint Warfighting Space (JWS)
• Rapid-reaction, Joint Forces Commander (JFC) dedicated space capabilities
– Tailored for specific missions/geographic areas
– Emphasis on operational/tactical levels of war
• Real time integration into self-forming/selfhealing networks
– Provides decision quality data to the warfighter
– Augments national asset support
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Joint Warfighting Space Implications
• May require relatively low-cost, short-lived satellites
• Focused-mission satellites
• Standard buses with plug-n-play payload interfaces
• War-ready reserve of launchers and payloads
• ISR, comm, nav, space superiority and CAV payloads
• Mission flexibility through modular components
• Establish routine and rapid acquisition for space
• Develop, fabricate and field urgent combat solutions
• Implementation may require new operational concepts
• C2 organizational relationships and processes
• Responsive range and launch operations
• Satellite/payload integration and on-orbit operations
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