OSTP reports on US space launch propulsion outlook

The Office of Science and Technology Policy says that low launch rates are limiting the prospects for US rocket propulsion development, though there are some bright spots at entrepreneurial launch providers, especially SpaceX :
/-- White House science office reports United States rocket propulsion work lagging - The Huntsville Times
/-- OSTP Letter on Space Launch Propulsion - Dec.22.09

OSTP Letter on Space Launch Propulsion-12 22 09

Posted 12/26/09 | 17:35:14 by TopSpacer | Filed under: Propulsion

Comments

That's one very depressing report. What's really depressing is that most people think everything is going just SWELL.

No amount of glossing this over is going to reverse the glaring trend of decline.

Posted by Crab Apple at 12/26/09 19:57:31

"From 2004-2008 the U.S. share of commercial launches was about 17 percent, compared with 42 percent for Russia, 21 percent for Europe and 18 percent for the multi-national company SeaLaunch."

the anti-commercial people probably don't realize how far behind the US is.

Posted by donnie at 12/26/09 21:08:55

The anti-commercial people should take great pride in blocking innovation and promoting decline.

Posted by Prospace Environmentalist at 12/27/09 09:33:37

From Page 10: "The dependence on foreign suppliers contributes to the substantial overcapacity of U.S space launch propulsion production..."

The report could also have pointed out that NASA's Constellation program of record also contributes to overcapacity by developing the Ares 1 in lieu of flying on the available commercial alternatives, which are currently underutilized.

However, ATK would argue that without Ares, the U.S. *solid* rocket production capacity would be severely harmed.

Posted by John Kavanagh at 12/28/09 13:40:38

Admittedly it is nitpicking, but focusing on the injector to gauge innovation on rocket engine technology seems poorly informed, when they should have looked at the turbopump. Makes me question the rest of the report a bit.

Posted by ian at 12/28/09 15:18:38

"focusing on the injector to gauge innovation on rocket engine technology seems poorly informed, when they should have looked at the turbopump. Makes me question the rest of the report a bit."

Indeed you should question the results of this report, since it now appears that a large fraction of US propulsion capability rests with solid rocket boosters. Not a good sign that.

Posted by Sour Grapes at 12/28/09 15:50:31

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