 | NLS - Martin
Credit - Lockheed Martin
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Orbital launch vehicle. Year: 1991. Family: ALS/NLS. Country: USA. Status: Study 1991. Other Designations: National Launch System. Manufacturer's Designation: New Launch System. New (or National) Launch System (NLS) joint NASA/USAF studies began in 1989, following the demise of the ALS. They proposed development of a family of launch vehicles using a new STME engine to replace the existing ‘high cost’ boosters derived from 1950’s missile designs. The $12 billion nonrecurring cost was nearly that estimated for ALS, and this cost could not be recouped at projected launch rates. NLS was terminated in 1991. New (or National) Launch System (NLS) joint NASA/USAF studies began in 1989, following the demise of the ALS. They proposed development of a family of launch vehicles using a new STME engine to replace the existing ‘high cost’ boosters derived from 1950’s missile designs. The $12 billion nonrecurring cost was nearly that estimated for ALS, and this cost could not be recouped at projected launch rates. NLS was terminated in 1991.
This joint NASA/USAF effort was aimed at first launch of an NLS in 2002. NLS required development of these major new systems:
- The STME (Space Transportation Main Engine, a simplified, low-cost LOX/LH2 engine with 295,000 kgf
- A family of three new launch vehicles to cover the payload weight classes expected in the 21st century
- A high-energy upper stage to reach geosynchronous orbits and interplanetary trajectories
- A cargo transfer vehicle for transporting payloads to the (then) Space Station Freedom
- New booster processing facilities and launch pads at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
- Modified and new facilities at the Kennedy Space Center.
Three versions of the NLS were planned:
- NLS-1: a heavy-lift vehicle consisting of the core vehicle with four STME engines and two strap-on Solid Rocket Boosters. Payload would be 45,000 kg to the 400 km/28 degree orbit planned for Space Station Freedom
- NLS-2: a medium-lift vehicle, using only the core vehicle of the NLS-1. Payload capability would be 23,000 kg to low Earth orbit (matching the Air Force’s heaviest payloads).
- NLS-3: a single STME mounted to a lower-diameter core stage, which could deliver 9,000 kg to low earth orbit. This would launch DOD and NASA medium class payloads and was expected to be a competitor in the international communications satellite launcher market
As in the case of the ALS, the NLS was estimated to cost $12 billion range to develop, including $2 billion for the STME engine. Again the development cost could not be recouped in recurring launch costs, and the NLS was terminated in 1991. Boeing attempted to stimulate government interest in development of the ‘Spacelifter’ version of its NLS design but failed. Since development costs were similar to development of a new airliner, Boeing obviously did not feel the actual operating cost of an NLS would be low enough to justify the development cost on a purely commercial basis. Liftoff Thrust: 17,784.500 kN (3,998,115 lbf). Total Mass: 851,732 kg (1,877,747 lb). Core Diameter: 8.70 m (28.50 ft). Total Length: 62.00 m (203.00 ft). Flyaway Unit Cost $: 89.000 million. in: 1985 unit dollars.
Stage Data - NLS - Stage Number: 0. 1 x Stage: NLS Semistage. Gross Mass: 36,000 kg (79,000 lb). Empty Mass: 36,000 kg (79,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 14,310.000 kN (3,217,010 lbf). Isp: 425 sec. Burn time: 100 sec. Isp(sl): 350 sec. Diameter: 8.70 m (28.50 ft). Span: 9.00 m (29.50 ft). Length: 9.00 m (29.50 ft). Propellants: Lox/LH2. No Engines: 4. Engine: STME. Other designations: National Launch System. Status: Study 1991.
- Stage Number: 1. 1 x Stage: NLS Core. Gross Mass: 815,732 kg (1,798,381 lb). Empty Mass: 44,757 kg (98,672 lb). Thrust (vac): 7,150.000 kN (1,607,380 lbf). Isp: 430 sec. Burn time: 350 sec. Isp(sl): 360 sec. Diameter: 8.70 m (28.50 ft). Span: 8.70 m (28.50 ft). Length: 52.00 m (170.00 ft). Propellants: Lox/LH2. No Engines: 2. Engine: STME. Other designations: National Launch System. Status: Study 1991.
Bibliography and Further Reading - Kolcum, Edward H, Aviation Week and Space Technology, "Martin Marietta Poised to Adapt External Tank for NLS Core", 1991-08-26, page 58.
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