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The Lure Of Launch Vehicles

Launch Vehicle Systems Design and Engineering
Cocoa Beach, FL April 27-29, 2009
This course offers a detailed look at basic expendable launch vehicle design and engineering requirements. All launch vehicle types are included, with emphasis on highly volatile issues such as small launchers, new systems and market demand. You will get a realistic comparison of the newest contenders and their failures, including the Ariane 5 and Delta IV. The course addresses what is hype and what is real. You will be exposed to current developments throughout the launch vehicle world and given a survey of the international inventory of large and small launcher systems. There are special briefings on NASA's Ares I and other vehicles. Numerous case studies and examples are used to illustrate important aspects for users and designers. Projections of launch vehicle developments for the next several years are included. Subjects include an explanation of the rocket equation, classification of vehicle types, descriptions of subsystems, payload penalties, ascent design and simulation and other limitations on the vehicle.
  • Click here for course details
  • by Staff Writers
    Bethesda MD (SPX) Apr 14, 2009
    About 12 years ago a Launchspace course attendee walked up to the instructor at the beginning of the three-day Launch Vehicle Systems Design and Engineering course.

    This attendee explained that he knew little about launch vehicles and did not have a technical background, but was very interested in the topic and wanted to learn all he could. The instructor said the course was technical in nature, but most of the material could be understood without having an engineering degree. The student decided to take the course.

    At the end of the three days the same student thanked the instructor and asked about the advisability of building large pressure-fed liquid rocket boosters in order to compete with other launcher options such as Atlas and Sea Launch.

    The instructor pointed out that large booster stages use pump-fed liquid rockets because the increased performance is needed to keep the stage masses and sizes down. Otherwise, the stages get very large and expensive, rendering them inefficient.

    Thus, pressure-fed stages cannot compete with existing stages for large launch vehicles.

    Alas, the student did not take that advice and proceeded to create a launch vehicle company to build large pressure-fed rocket stages to compete with existing vehicles. After spending three years and some $200 million, the company shut down operations and the student who loved launch vehicles gave up his dream.

    Many entrepreneurs have tried to succeed in this business, but none have yet reached that goal. There is a famous saying in the launch vehicle business: "If you want to end up with a million dollars in the launch business, start out with a billion."

    What is this lure that attracts so many to this business?

    It may be the thrill of sending something into space and being part of history-making activities. Or, maybe it is just the excitement of lighting off rockets.

    No one knows for sure. But, we do know that the launch vehicle business is usually a losing proposition. So, why do companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin keep on building them?

    Related Links
    Launch Space
    Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com



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