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Performance Evaluation of a Side Mounted Shuttle Derived Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle for Lunar Exploration

The NASA Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS) produced a transportation architecture for returning humans to the moon affordably and safely. ESAS determined that the best lunar exploration strategy was to separate the launch of crew from the launch of cargo, thereby requiring two launches per lunar mission. An alternate concept for the cargo launch vehicle is a side mounted Shuttle-derived heavy lift launch. This configuration is similar to previously studied concepts, except engines and structure have been added to the External Tank (ET), making it a complete first stage. The upper stage is mounted on the side of the first stage, much like the Shuttle orbiter is mounted on the side of the ET. Like the Shuttle, solid rocket boosters (SRBs) are also used. This configuration has several performance and operational benefits over an in-line heavy lift launch vehicle. According to the ESAS report, side mount configurations were not considered to be among the most promising configurations, and were not carried forward for further consideration within architectural options. The performance of this launch vehicle is independently analyzed, using multidisciplinary analysis techniques. Methods and tools used include launch trajectory optimization with POST, vehicle aerodynamic analysis using APAS, and weights and sizing using historically based estimating relationships. Principal trade studies performed include first and second stage propulsion (number of engines and engine type), solid rocket booster size (four versus five segment), and staging ∆V. The vehicle design that best meets the requirements for space exploration (lunar and future missions) is presented.