The cost of reaching orbit: Ground-based launch systems |
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Authors: | Jonathan Coopersmith |
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Institution: | Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4326, USA |
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Abstract: | The high cost of launching payloads into orbit - roughly $20,000/kg - continues to deter large-scale exploration and exploitation of space. Ground-based launch systems may radically reduce costs to $200/kg, drastically altering the economics of spaceflight. Low costs will encourage the creation of new markets, including solar-based power satellites and disposal of nuclear waste. The US government should establish a goal of $200/kg by 2020 and provide the resources needed to develop such systems. |
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