ENGR0011
R10
HOW THE REUSABLE BOOSTER SYSTEM WILL SAVE THE SPACE
PROGRAM
Jordan Drischler (jmd152@pitt.edu)
HAVE WE GIVEN UP ON SPACE TRAVEL?
On June 20, 1969, 600 million individuals around the
world watched their television screens as Neil Armstrong
became the first man to walk on the moon. The event of the
Apollo 11 moon landing has become one of the most notable
moments in scientific history. While the subject of space
travel played a vital role in society forty years ago, in recent
years it seems the country has all but given up on the space
program. The cost of launches has become too great, and
the proposed $17.7 billion budget cut towards the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration planned for 2013 has
become a further hindrance to continue to explore space [1].
The rising costs and lack of funding have led NASA, along
with the United Stated Air Force, to develop a more costeffective method of space travel.
In my study of the Reusable Booster System, I will
explain what a Reusable Booster System is as well as its
function and importance. I will also delve into the
engineering ethics involved in the RBS project as well as the
educational advantages of researching in this specific area.
In order to continue to expand our knowledge of space I,
as a future engineer, implore the government to fund the Air
Force and NASA’s development of a Reusable Booster
System for space launches.
What is a Reusable Booster System (RBS)?
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and
the United States Air Force have partnered to begin
development on a Reusable Booster System for spacecraft.
RBS is comprised of two parts: a reusable first stage
combined with expendable upper stages. After the reusable
booster, powered by liquid oxygen and kerosene, is launched
to an altitude of 20,000 feet, the booster will separate from
the expendable upper stages [2]. The booster will then
perform a rocket-back procedure. Rocket-back is a newly
developed maneuver in which the reusable booster will
utilize the main rocket engine to turn around the booster to
return to the launch-site. Rocket-back was selected after
extensive research of other methods because rocket-back
does not require as much reusable thermal protection. Once
the booster’s direction is reversed the booster will be able to
perform a horizontal landing much like an airplane [3].
PATH OF THE BOOSTER [4]
The inflight path the reusable booster will take once
launched is illustrated.
This cycle provides many advantages over the space
program. The Reusable Booster System provides us with
the opportunity to continue to explore space and gain more
scientific knowledge of our galaxy, as well as maintain our
many satellites, while remaining affordable and realistic.
THE PRICE OF SPACE EXPLORATION
The Increasing Costs of Evolved Expendable Launch
Vehicles
Cost is the main reason to develop a Reusable Booster
System to replace the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles
(EELV) that we currently use. The head of spacelift for the
Space and Missile System’s Center’s developmental
planning division, Ken Hampsten, says of the RBS, “The
EELV is rapidly escalating in cost. At lower flight rates, the
RBS does very well. We get at least a 50% cost saving, and
that’s before the cost growth now hitting us.” 50% is based
on a reusable booster life of 100 flights, with the engines
replaced every ten flights [3].
The cost of Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles is
extremely high. In order to sustain the EELV program, the
Air Force increased its 2012 budget request for the program
by more than 30%. Mostly due to the expendable vehicles’
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expensive engines, the new budget would have to be
increased to $1.74 billion in order to keep the program alive.
This is 58.4% more than the original per-unit cost estimate.
Not only is the EELV program expensive, but it is also
wasteful, which leads to an increase in costs.
With
expendable vehicles, every launch leaves the different stages
of the vehicle in either the sea or in space [5]. With no way
to reuse the booster, these parts are wasted. The result is an
extremely expensive program that has a single flight-life.
hydrocarbon rocket motor.
However, Ares V is not
reusable. The large budget for the expendable rocket will
not leave enough funding for the Reusable Booster System.
As Ken Hampsten stated, “We realize there is only enough
money to develop one engine [3]” Unless the government
will concede to giving the Air Force and National
Aeronautics and Space Administration more funding, the
continued development of expendable rockets will further
set back the future of America’s space program in the
Reusable Booster System.
The Effect RBS Would Have on Cost
A Reusable Booster System would reduce the need for
expendable materials. The first stage is able to be reused,
thereby cutting the cost of having to produce a new first
stage booster for every launch. In addition, the rocket-back
maneuver requires less reusable thermal protection than
would be necessary if the booster used a glide-back or
turbine-powered procedure to return to earth [3]. The
following diagram illustrates the effect the addition of
Reusable Booster Systems on rockets would have on cost
savings opposed to expendable systems.
COMPLICATIONS OF RBS
As with any newly developed technology, the Reusable
Booster System is not without flaws. The most notable
challenge to the RBS is the rocket-back maneuver. During
rocket-back the booster will be required to change direction
by 180 degrees. Jeff Zweber, RBS Pathfinder program
manager, claims that the turnaround procedure will involve
extremely high angles of attack and sideslip that cannot be
properly determined in existing tunnels [2].
The Air Force/NASA’s Plans to Overcome
Complications
EXPENDABLE VS REUSABLE COST SAVINGS [4]
The chart illustrates the percentage of cost savings by
replacing expendable stages with reusable ones.
Where Should the Air Force and NASA Spend Their
Money?
Since the Reusable Booster System has been proven to
be a more cost-effective method of space launches, it may
seem odd that the Air Force and NASA have not spent more
money to get the project underway. The main reason for the
lack of RBS funding is the development of the Ares V
rocket. Despite having found reusable technologies, NASA
has decided to continue to develop Ares V. NASA has also
decided to partner with the Air Force to undertake the
project due to the Ares V’s requirement of a large
While the rocket-back procedure is complicated due to
its extreme angles, the Air Force and National Aeronautics
and Space Administration have proposed a solution to
overcome this obstacle. The solution comes in the form of
the RBS Pathfinder, a 15-foot small-scale model of the
booster that would demonstrate the rocket-back maneuver.
Since the angles and sideslip cannot be properly measured in
existing wind tunnels, the Pathfinder will be able to
accurately record measurements from the sky. Zweber even
calls the Pathfinder a “wind tunnel in the sky [3].” The Air
Force Research Lab (AFRL) has granted the companies of
Andrews Space, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin each a $1.5
million contract to research the demonstrator. The AFRL
will then select one company to build the Pathfinder with a
contract of $28.5 million [3], [6]. The plan is to perform
three test flights with the model in order to explore the
different maneuvers of rocket-back. While the rocket-back
procedure is a challenge, the AFRL has a systematic
approach to select the most efficient method to perform the
task.
WHEN WILL RBS BE AVAILABLE?
Plans Following the Pathfinder
After the RBS Pathfinder flights have been completed
the next step in developing the Reusable Booster System is
the development of a reusable booster demonstrator (RBD).
The plan outlined by the Air Force claimed the demonstrator
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will be roughly 60 feet long and weigh approximately
230,000 pounds. The engine of the demonstrator is expected
to be powered by liquid-oxygen and kerosene, as this is the
expected power source of the actual booster as well [6].
Lockheed Martin RBS program manager Slater Voorhees
stated, “The RBD will be a good X-vehicle that could
demonstrate all the parts of the puzzle. Some of that will be
demonstrated by the Pathfinder, but the RBD will be much
closer to the operational vehicle [2].” The reusable booster
demonstrator is the last step before the production of the
Reusable Booster System itself.
THE TIMELINE
With the increasing costs of space flight and the
proposed budget cuts to the space program, it is important
that the Air Force and NASA develop the Reusable Booster
System as soon as possible in order to continue to perform
the vital space flights. The Air Force Research Lab has
established an approximate timeline for the development of
the RBS.
The first step of developing the RBS Pathfinder for rocketback test flights is currently in progress. The selected model
of the Pathfinder used for the flights will be chosen by the
AFRL in late 2012. In 2013 the chosen Pathfinder design
will be put in action and perform its three test flights. The
reusable booster demonstrator is expected to fly in 2016-17.
As the RBD is the last step in the process before the
production of the Reusable Booster System itself, the RBD
flights will be followed by the implementation of reusable
boosters. 2025 is the year in which it is expected that
Reusable Booster Systems will go into effect. The goal of
the Air Force and NASA is that Evolved Expendable Launch
Vehicles will no longer be in use by 2030 [3].
ENGINEERING ETHICS OF THE
REUSABLE BOSTER SYSTEM
The Importance of Ethics
As a future engineer, it is of utmost importance that I
follow all parts of the National Society of Professional
Engineers (NSPE) Code of Ethics, as well as codes
pertaining to my specific field of mechanical engineering as
set forth by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
(ASME). Not only is adhering to these guidelines a
requirement of the profession, but I also think meeting these
ethical standards is part of what makes engineering a very
dignified career option. Following the code of ethics
properly means that as an engineer you are taking on more
of a responsibility than learning the math and physics skills
required to perform your tasks to the fullest. It means you
have an understanding of the magnitude of the job an
engineer performs. Engineers are the designers of the future,
and it is our duty to do so in a safe and responsible way. In
any and all projects an engineer undertakes, he/she must
remain true to the code of ethics. The development of the
Reusable Booster System is no different. I believe the RBS
adheres to all parts of the National Society of Professional
Engineers Code of Ethics as well as the code of ethics from
the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
NSPE Code of Ethics and the Reusable Booster
System
The National Society of Professional Engineers Code of
Ethics is the required standard of ethics for all engineers,
regardless of the specific field of study. Therefore, those
studying and developing the Reusable Booster System must
also adhere to the NSPE Code of Ethics when performing
their research. I believe the development and research of the
Reusable Booster System follows the code of ethics without
violating a single article. It is also my belief that the code of
ethics supports the research and development of RBS.
In the NSPE Code of Ethics section two, paragraph 3a
the code states that engineers should include all relevant
information in reports and be objective and truthful when
doing so. The paragraph also claims that such information
should be dated as to indicate the research is recent [7]. In
my study of the Reusable Booster System I have done just
that. All research materials have been dated and all of these
sources have been from the past three years. Along with
being recent, these sources have also come from respected
publications in the scientific community in order to preserve
the objectiveness and honesty of the information being
presented.
The code of ethics from the National Society of
Professional Engineers also claims, in paragraph 3c of
section two, that engineers shall not issue statements or
arguments that are paid for by interested parties unless being
explicitly identified in the beginning of research [7]. I can
assure my readers that the motive for my choosing the topic
of Reusable Booster Systems was based solely on my
interest as a student and engineer in the advancements of
space travel and technology. While I write this article in
hopes of persuading the government to fund the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration and the United States
Air Force, these companies had no part in my stance on the
issue. By writing about the Reusable Booster System based
on my own values and interests, as well as obtaining
research from respected and recent sources, I have adhered
to the code of ethics as set forth by the National Society of
Professional Engineers.
ASME Code of Ethics and the Reusable Booster System
In addition to being required to follow all areas of the
NSPE Code of ethics, as a future mechanical engineer I must
also follow all sections of the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers Code of Ethics.
Just as the
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development and study of the Reusable Booster System is in
accord with the National Society of Professional Engineers
Code of ethics, it also follows the code of ethics from the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Section 8 of
the ASME Code of Ethics states, “Engineers shall consider
environmental impact and sustainable development in the
performance of their professional duties [8].” Sustainable
development is defined in the NSPE Code of Ethics as the
challenge of meeting human needs for natural resources,
industrial products, energy, food, transportation, shelter, and
effective waste management while conserving and
protecting environmental quality and the natural resource
base essential for future development [7]. The Reusable
Booster System follows this ethical code by reducing the
amount of waste caused by rocket launches. By limiting the
need for Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles, the amount
of waste caused by these vehicles will greatly decrease. No
longer will parts of EELVs be falling into the ocean once
they separate from the rocket. The RBS will have the
capability to be used multiple times, therefore reducing the
need to use greater amounts of resources to manufacture
additional rockets.
As a result of the Reusable Booster System reducing the
amount of waste as well as the research being unbiased and
truthful, the RBS therefore is in accord with both the
National Society of Professional Engineers Code of Ethics
and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code of
Ethics.
RBS: THE FUTURE OF SPACEFLIGHT
As the cost of space flight continues to rise and threats of
massive budget cuts arise, the United States Air Force and
National Aeronautics and Space Administration are
attempting to adapt to these challenges. When trying to cut
the cost of space flight we are left with two options: perform
fewer flights or find a more cost-effective way to launch
spacecraft. In today’s technological society there is only one
true choice. With the numerous satellites orbiting our planet
that will be in need of repairs and the quest for knowledge
that can only be satisfied by exploring space firsthand,
society cannot afford to perform fewer flights. Therefore,
we are forced to engineer a less expensive means of space
travel.
The Reusable Booster System being developed by the
Air Force and NASA provides an ethical solution. However,
for the RBS to be the solution our country needs, the
technology needs to be fully developed. We cannot afford to
give up on this extensive project due to a lack of funding.
Years from now as we go places in space we have never
been before and make new discoveries about the galaxy in
which we live it will be because the Reusable Booster
System paved the way for reusable spacecraft technologies.
If the United Stated government does not fund the Air Force
and NASA’s mission to develop the RBS, we will be left in
the dark about much of our galaxy. It is vital that the
government invest in the development of the Reusable
Booster System.
ENGINEERING AND EDUCATION
My Research Experience
As a freshman engineering student, I am still learning the
basics of engineering. My courses include calculus and
physics, and these are not yet centered on the application of
these skills. Sometimes while studying numbers and
chemical equations it becomes easy to forget the end result
of learning these materials. However, my research of the
Reusable Booster System and the writing of this paper have
given me a better insight into the impact engineers have on
society. I now see the math skills I am currently learning
being put to work. After researching on a subject that is
meaningful to me, I have confirmed my decision to become
an engineer.
Not only has this research project caused me to be firm
in my career choice, but it has also helped me see what I
want to become as an engineer. The wonderful thing about
engineering is there are so many opportunities. There are so
many different fields of engineering to explore. It is often
the case that it becomes difficult to decide which area of
engineering is the right one for the individual. My research
of the Reusable Booster System has made me want to
seriously consider an engineering career involved in the
space program. After seeing all the advancements that are
possible in the space program, I would greatly like to be a
part of it. Perhaps I will end up being on the team that
designs the later stages of the Reusable Booster System.
Research Opportunities for All Students
After writing my own research paper on engineering, I
strongly feel as though future freshman engineering students
should do the same. Writing such a research paper helps
students better understand engineering, and also gives them
an idea of what they would like to become as a future
engineer. After all, why go to school if you have no idea
what you want to do with your education afterwards?
Charles Vest, President Emeritus of the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, says of engineering education,
“Issues that have been with us for the past 35 years include:
how to communicate what engineers actually do, how to
improve the writing and communication skills of
engineering graduates, and how to get students to think
about professional ethics and social responsibilities [9].”
This research project has answered these issues in
several ways. It has resulted in students researching a
specific engineering topic in order to better understand the
tasks engineers undertake. It has also improved the writing
skills of freshmen students through expressing their opinions
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in a thought-out research paper. Lastly, the research project
required the student to use engineering codes of ethics to
support the individual’s stance on the engineering issue.
The writing of “How the Reusable Booster System Will
Save the Space Program” has been a great educational
opportunity for me as a future engineer. I would strongly
recommend future freshman engineering students to write
similar papers to better understand the role of engineers.
REFERENCES
[1] (2012, February 13). “NASA’s Space Exploration Plans
Take a Galactic Hit.” The Associated Press. [Online blog].
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/02/13/nasa-fundingcuts-coming-space-exploration-to-suffer/
[2] G. Norris. (2011). “Reusable Revolution.” Aviation
Week
&
Space
Technology.
(Online
article).
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?sid=1963bda0-408d4706-824867a239d79a57%40sessionmgr104&vid=1&hid=127&bdata=
JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=mth&AN=7055
8100. p. 32
[3] G. Warwick. (2010). “Reusable Boost.” Aviation Week
&
Space
Technology.
(Online
article).
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?sid=0821a79f-893c4d7a-80e1fa6583b5715d%40sessionmgr111&vid=1&hid=127&bdata=
JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=mth&AN=5101
275. p. 30
[4] “Spacelift: A National Security Space Perspective.” Air
Force Space and Missile Systems Center. (2010). (Picture).
https://info.aiaa.org/Regions/Western/LA/Newsletters/AIAA
LADinnerColHenryfinal.pdf
[5] (2011). “US Air Force Evolved Expendable Launch
Vehicle
(EELV).”
Spacex.
[Online blog].
http://www.spacex.com/EELVBenefits.pdf
[6] G. Norris. (2010). “Rocket Result.” Aviation Week &
Space
Technology.
(Online
article).
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?sid=be10be96-81b5456c-b0144f93d2df5e01%40sessionmgr110&vid=1&hid=127&bdata=
JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=mth&AN=5519
8837. p. 76
[7] National Society of Professional Engineers (2007). Code
of Ethics for Engineers. Alexandria, VA.
[8] American Society of Mechanical Engineers (2007).
Code of Ethics of Engineers. New York, NY.
[9] C. Vest. (2005). “Educating Engineers for 2020 and
Beyond.” NAE Annual Meeting. (Online article).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank all those who helped make writing
“How the Reusable Booster System Will Save the Space
Program” possible. I would first and foremost like to thank
my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has blessed me with
the opportunity to expand my education at the University of
Pittsburgh. I also thank Dr. Rick Schaub and writing
instructor Janine Carlock for their direction and guidance in
the writing of this paper. I also thank writing instructor
Caroline Hamilton for reading and evaluating my article.