ADVANCED LAUNCH VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY.

The Space Shuttle and its direct derivatives and improvements offer capabilities that can be used in support of initial orbital demonstrations of scaled versions of advanced solar power systems for space cargo delivery. If operational models of Satellite Solar Power Stations are to be economically deployed, a second-generation launch system will be required. In this paper the author reviews currently anticipated technical requirements for this class of orbital transportation system and presents conceptual configurations of two-stage low-altitude orbital delivery systems. He also identifies technology advances that would support the development of delivery systems and gives examples of possible single-stage-to-orbit configurations.