Energia's next stage

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Earth Orbits, Heavy Lift Launch Vehicles, Soviet Spacecraft, U.S.S.R. Space Program, Earth Orbital Environments, Geosynchronous Orbits, Mission Planning, Space Commercialization

Scientific paper

The current status and future of the Soviet Energia heavy-lift launcher is reviewed. A rational use for this vehicle is being explored that would justify its high development and per-mission cost, and help to silence the vocal criticism of this expenditure. Operational experience and some possible developments of this launcher are discussed. It is noted that two totally different powerplants are being developed as upper stages for Energia. This disproves earlier theories that the Zenit second stage was destined for this role. According to mission requirements, either engine may be used alone, or both may be enclosed in the cargo container. Mention is made of a two-booster version that could fly as soon as 1995. With a lift capability of 65 t to LEO, this would be almost an exact counterpart to NASA's proposed Shuttle-C. It is concluded, that at some future time, Lunar and Mars missions will almost certainly be undertaken, in cooperation with NASA or other agencies. When the time is appropriate for such ventures, the Energia system should be well proven as a ready-made transportation mode, and a very valid contender for Soviet participation.

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