We have a critical program that needs funding--yet we waste 6 Billion per year on EYGPT plus significant waste in thousands of other areas---Unbelievable

Credit: nasaproblems.com


There has been an extensive undertaking to reduce the cost of expendable launch vehicles which has resulted in significant reductions in their operations costs. There has NEVER been any determined effort to reduce the cost of space shuttle operations. Competitive CSS launch cost can be achieved by:
·        Use the existing Orbiter airframes and install modular quick replaceable subsystems.
·        Removing onboard piloting functions.
·        Removing all civil service support.
·        Consolidation of launch and mission operations at the launch site.
·        Automation of ground and flight operations.
·        Shuttle assembly at launch pad.
Reducing space shuttle launch cost is not a technical challenge…it is a political challenge. The following chart shows the breakdown where significant cost reductions can be achieved by privatization of the space shuttle operations:

Space Launch System/Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle
Versus
Commercial Space Shuttle
 
 
SLS/MPCV
CSS
Launch Cost 130 mt /crew to LEO
$2.78b
$2.1b
Development Cost Estimate
$11.5b
$2.4b
Operational Availability
6 Years
4 years
Crew Safety
Poor
Good
Commercial Applications
No
Yes
Payload Return Capability
No
Yes
Maximum Launches/Year
2
12
Military Applications
No
Yes
Space Based Support
No
Yes
Vehicle Upgrade Potential
Limited
Excellent
Launch Fails Mission Fails
Yes
No
 
What is the Commercial Space Shuttle (CSS)?
The CSS uses the orbiter airframe, external tank, and SRM boosters. The orbiter is updated with subsystem components that are quickly replaceable modules to reduce vehicle turnaround time. Computer software and hardware is upgraded and the vehicle is operation without inflight piloting requirements. Crews will be flown only on missions requiring their support for onboard payloads or to be transferred to space based vehicles. On crewed missions the crew escape pods will be installed. The entry thermal protection system will have on orbit repair capability and advanced X-37 program improved tiles. Pad assembly of the space shuttle will also reduce operations cost and turnaround time. Rapid turn-around is an unique CSS feature that support a military requirement and provide the capability launch timely intercepts of asteroids/comets that may impact earth.
The CSS is a three phase program that transfers shuttle operation to private sector, automates the fleet, and incorporates existing technology to develop a space based transportation system. The CSS program:
Phase I: Eliminate dependency on the Russian government for manned access to space by providing continued space shuttle operations if funding are available. If not proceed to Phase II.
Phase II: Initiate a space shuttle upgrade program that reduces operations cost and provides a crew pod escape system.
Phase III: Is a NASA conducted technology program that addresses critical systems such as the entry thermal protection system and on orbit propellant storage. This approach deletes the requirement for the heavy lift launch vehicle (HLV) by developing a space based transportation system.
CSS Development Phases
PHASE I
Shuttle fleet retro-fitting of orbiters will be conducted jointly by NASA and the Corporation from NASA facilities during the transition period. After transition the Corporation will be permitted to continue to use NASA facilities until their Phase II commercial facilities are ready for operations.
Phase II
The corporation will be permitted to sell bonds and stock to finance modifications and startup cost.
The corporation will establish control and launch facilities for the CSS operations. Launch market demand will determine when the remaining orbiters will be scheduled for upgrades.
Phase III
The Commercial Space Shuttle will require advanced systems development coordination by NASA for improvements in operations and crew safety.