Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
118564788
label
Aerospace Industry - California Space Shuttle Task Force Report
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
118564788
contentType
document
title
Aerospace Industry - California Space Shuttle Task Force Report
citationUrl
identifierLocal
840
collections
Ronald Reagan's Governor's Papers of the Press Unit
Issue Files
thumbnailUrl
largeImageUrl
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
118564788
coverageEndDate
logicalDate
1975-12-31
year
1975
coverageStartDate
logicalDate
1967-01-01
year
1967
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
526d13a1832ae507
ocrText
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Reagan, Ronald: Gubernatorial Papers,
1966-74: Press Unit
Folder Title: Aerospace Industry - California
Space Shuttle Task Force Report
Box: P30
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
CALIFORNIA SPACE SHUTTLE TASK FORCE
Space Shuttle
returnable, reusable.
Benefitting life on earth
while reducing space costs.
CALIFORNIA
SPACE
SHUTTLE
TASK
FORCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Challenge of the 1970's
5
What Is the Shuttle ?
7
Where Do We Stand in Space?
8
Future
17
National Security: The Influence of Capability
18
Space Shuttle in Operation
19
Cost Advantages
28
Why Start Building Now?
32
Unionamerica
ROBERT H. VOLK, President
The Space Shuttle represents more than an
extension of America's program for the exploration
of outer space and the environment of Earth. It
is, in fact, a basic transportation system for men
and materials from Earth to outer space and back,
and thus will serve as the foundation for future
programs of space research and interplanetary
exploration.
California's industries, manpower and tech-
nological resources, as well as our space flight
facilities, have played a major role in engine,
booster vehicle and space capsule design and manu-
facture from the first orbiting shot of Explorer I
through Apollo. These capabilities stand ready to
play a major role in the Space Shuttle program.
Those of us on the California Space Shuttle
Task Force, created by U.S. Senator Alan Cranston
and Lt. Governor Ed Reinecke, heartily endorse the
program as essential to the furtherance of our
national goals. The development of knowledge and
the utilization of space will lead to a better
understanding of our earth environment for the
benefit of all mankind.
Rahiel H. Valh
FIGUEROA AT FIFTH STREET B LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90017 . TELEPHONE (213) 687-6302
CALIFORNIA
SPACE
SHUTTLE
TASK
FORCE
"By destiny or design each nation fulfills its
role in a family of nations. One of our roles has
been creator and supplier of technological
advancements that can be useful to mankind.
Respect for the living standard of our labor
force compels us to search for opportunities
"Creativity is as unconfinable as ideas. Space
other than matching foreign competition.
Shuttle is one of those conceptions; a
Instead, we sense that our destiny and our
resourceful means for man to make use of
well-being exists in serving the world as pur-
space in a less expensive manner. But creations
veyor of advanced technological capabilities.
of this scope require cooperation, teamwork
During the 1970's, Space Shuttle will come
and a concerted effort. Individual effort
into being. The Shuttle, its applications, and the
only really becomes meaningful when it is
technological spinoffs constitute our oppor-
joined with others in a similar goal. Space
tunity to serve men, here and abroad, without
Shuttle is the kind of goal that can encompass
oppressive exploitation."
a broad range of American talents to achieve a
Alan Cranston
solution in which America has a demonstrated
United States Senator, California
capability."
Ronald Reagan
"America is confronted with an array of worthy
Governor, State of California
programs, each with its own priority on funds
and time. Space Shuttle is one of these. The
"We are on the verge of a practical possibility.
Space Shuttle will be a substantial investment
Inventive talents and technical capabilities
in the future. It will be a bridge to our hopes
are not necessarily confined to one nation.
for manned space flight in coming years.
Among observant men there comes a time
It promises the development of new technolo-
when there appears to be sufficient knowledge
gies. It is a priority for the Seventies. We must
at hand to resolve a need. At this point in
begin now to move in an economical and
history, America has the vision and the talents
orderly manner toward this goal."
to create a Space Shuttle. We would not
want to willingly abdicate this opportunity and
John Tunney
United States Senator, California
its follow-on benefits. It is an acceptable
challenge and opportunity for America."
"Our nation is in the process of converting
Ed Reinecke
space capabilities from scientific exploration to
Lt. Governor, State of California
practical application. Exploration will continue
and application has been well under way
"Problem-solving of large and complex chal-
for several years. Yet, the trend toward appli-
lenges that channel technology into the
cation will accelerate, particularly now that we
service of mankind is a particularly American
have successfully passed through the era of
skill of recent decades. The Space Shuttle is
forced development with its penalties of higher
our challenge of the Seventies and the Eighties.
costs to overtake time delays. The Space
Herein lies our opportunity for a highly-
Shuttle is conceived as the means of furthering
flexible, yet less-costly, means of utilizing a
this era of practical application while reducing
capability in space to benefit man on earth."
the costs of our initial space era."
William Mailliard
Chet Holifield
Member, United States House of
Member, United States House of
Representatives, California
Representatives, California
2
CALIFORNIA SPACE
M. C. Curtis
SHUTTLE TASK FORCE
Vice President and
General Manager
Chairman
Convair Aerospace Division
Robert H. Volk
General Dynamics
President
Dr. Robert R. Dockson
Unionamerica, Inc.
President
California Federal Savings & Loan
Co-Chairmen
Association
Terrell C. Drinkwater
Ed Reinecke
Chairman of the Board (Retired)
Lt. Governor
Western Air Lines
State of California
Thomas L. Lowe
Raymond D. Edwards
President
Chairman, Economic
Glendale Federal Savings
Development Committee
& Loan Association
California Chamber of Commerce
Burnham Enersen
Executive Director
Attorney at Law
James A. Cook
President
California Chamber of Commerce
Task Force Committee (Partial Listing)
Kim Fletcher
Norman Barker, Jr.
President
President
Home Federal Savings & Loan
United California Bank
Association of San Diego
Dr. Arnold O. Beckman
J. Robert Fluor
Chairman
Chairman
Beckman Instruments Inc.
Fluor Corporation
Robert S. Bell
Garlan Frix
Assistant to the President
Superintendent of Schools, Mojave
Teledyne, Inc.
California Coordinating Committee
Warren H. Berl
for Space Shuttle
Chairman and President
Edgar M. Gillenwaters
Sutro & Company
Director
B. F. Biaggini
State Department of Commerce
President
Stafford R. Grady
Southern Pacific Company
Chairman and President
Knox Bourne
First Western Bank & Trust Co.
Regional Vice President
Stanton G. Hale
McGraw-Hill Inc.
President
Chairman, Merchants and
Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Co.
Manufacturers Assoc.
William C. Hallett
Eli Broad
Partner
Chairman
Ernst & Ernst
Kaufman & Broad, Inc.
Fred L. Hartley
Daniel P. Bryant
President
Chairman and President
Union Oil Company
Bekins Moving and Storage
Carl E. Hartnack
Walter F. Burke
President
President
Security Pacific National Bank
McDonnell Douglas Astronautics
John Hay
Edward W. Carter
Executive Vice President
President
California Chamber of Commerce
Broadway-Hale Stores, Inc.
John P. Healey
Eugene A. Chappie
Vice President, Production
Assemblyman
Operations
California State Legislature
North American Rockwell
Richard P. Cooley
George Hobbs
President
Mayor
Wells Fargo Bank
City of Santa Maria
3
Robert A. Hornby
Daniel H. Ridder
Director and President (Retired)
Publisher and Editor
Pacific Lighting Co.
Long Beach Independent
Charles F. Horne, Jr,
Press Telegram
Chairman
William Roberts
S.C.I.E.C.
Chairman and President
Dr. V.W. Howard
Ampex Corporation
Vice President and Manager
Paul Schrade
Northrop Corp., Advanced Systems
Western Regional Director
Jerome W. Hull
United Auto Workers Union
President
Arthur D. Scott
Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co.
Mayor
Maxwell Hunter
City of Lompoc
Assistant and General Manager
William Shannon
Lockheed Missiles & Space Corp.
President
Robert J. Lagomarsino
New Idria Mine & Chemical
Senator
Forrest N. Shumway
California State Legislature
President
L. W. Lane, Jr.
Signal Companies, Inc.
Publisher
Robert Simpson
Sunset Magazine
General Vice President
Ernest Loebbecke
International Association
Chairman
of Machinists
Title Insurance & Trust Co.
George S.Smith
Gordon C. Luce
California Coordinating Committee
President
for Space Shuttle
San Diego Federal Savings & Loan
Walter W. Stiern
Association
Senator
Jack Maltester
California State Legislature
Mayor
Roy C. Stiff
City of San Leandro
President
Robert E. McClure
Aerojet Liquid Rocket
Chairman
R. Parker Sullivan
Santa Monica Evening Outlook
President
T. M. McDaniel, Jr.
General Telephone Company
President
of California
Southern California Edison Co.
Leland B. Swett
W. Don MacGillivray
Vice President
Assemblyman
Swett & Crawford
California State Legislature
George A. Thatcher
Fred H. Merrill
President
Chairman
Union Bank
Fireman's Fund American
John V. Vaughn
Insurance Co.
Vice Chairman
O.N.Miller
Crocker National Bank
Chairman
Harry H. Wetzel
Standard Oil Co. of California
President
Thomas Phelan
The Garrett Corporation
President
Harold Williams
Pacific Coast Stock Exchange
Dean
James Radoumis
UCLA School of Management
Executive Vice President
Eugene Wyman
Kern County Board of Trade
Wyman, Bautzer, Finell,
Burt F. Raynes
Rothman & Kuchel
Chairman
Ed 1. Zuchelli
Rohr Corporation
Councilman
City of Santa Maria
4
CALIFORNIA
CHALLENGE OF THE 1970's
SPACE
SHUTTLE
TRSK
Improve our living on earth through expansion
FORES
of practical applications in space technology.
During the past decade and a half we have established our place
in space. We developed the thrust. We achieved orbit. We
began scientific exploration. We realized practical applications.
Meanwhile, we are also rightfully interested in improving
our existence on earth. Conveniently, however, several techniques
for guiding the improvement of life on earth are inherent in
our new-found capabilities in space and the applications that a
space-ability makes possible.
Yet, we want to pursue this capability with a greater flexibility,
and at the same time, reduce the cost substantially. Therein lies the
promise of: Space Shuttle.
5
CALIFORNIA
SPACE
Achieving Objectives
SHUTTLE
TRSK
President Richard M. Nixon
FORCE
March 7, 1970
"
we must devise less costly and less complicated ways of
transporting payloads into space We are currently examining in
greater detail the feasibility of reusable space shuttles as one
way of achieving this objective."
Pursued With Vigor
Charles H. Townes
Chairman, National Academy of Science, Space Science Board;
Professor of Physics, University of California
October 21, 1970
"A successful space shuttle, including further lowering of costs and
the possibility of assembly and adjustment of equipment in space,
should produce a marked change in the style with which science and
space applications are carried out
I
believe its study and
development should be pursued with vigor."
6
WHAT IS THE SHUTTLE?
It is a launch vehicle, a spacecraft, an airplane. It is a multi-purpose
tool for replacing all but the smallest and the largest of today's
launch vehicles. But, unlike them, it returns intact and is completely
reusable. It combines low-cost operations with great versatility.
It merges the manned and unmanned programs to gain the most
from each and the maximum return for the nation.
Basic Transporter
The shuttle is not just a launch vehicle or a spacecraft; it is the
basic implement that our national space program will use to mold
the space programs of the 1980's and 1990's. It is the means
toward deriving a better life for those of us on earth through our
knowledge of the uses of outer space.
One Replaces Many
Space Shuttle will replace all
of today's launch vehicles
except the small Scout rocket
and Saturn V, which may be
used for a few specialized
missions.
SCOUT
THOR
ATLAS
TITAN
TITAN
SATURN
SATURN
V
Resembling Aircraft in Space
Although the shuttle is a manned space vehicle, it resembles two
airplanes rather than one spacecraft. Its two crews, one in each
stage, serve primarily to pilot the stages in aircraft-like maneuvers.
Reusable
The value of space to residents on earth has been demonstrated.
Yet, the economics of that value now dictate that a less costly
way be found to move to and from orbit. The shuttle is that way. Its
basic economic attraction is multiple use. Each can be used for 100
or more launches instead of just one, as are today's launch vehicles.
Reducing Costs
The cost of continuing with today's expendable, one-shot launch
vehicles has been compared with the projected use of the shuttle.
Comparisons were based on the current rate of 30 launches a
year, which is considerably fewer than during the peak years of the
1960's. Looking ahead, even when an estimated shuttle development
cost of $8.3 billion is added to estimated operational costs, the
Space Shuttle method would equal, within just six years, the cost of
continuing with today's expendable vehicles. Thereafter, savings
through use of the shuttle would amount to $2 billion a year, and
savings would proceed to increase as the shuttle system is
continually reused.
7
CALIFORNIA
WHERE DO WE STAND IN SPACE?
SPACE
SHUTTLE
TRSK
We have launched our aspirations toward space since 1958. We
PORCE
have developed an admirable range of capabilities. But, beginning
in 1967, the frequency of American space launches declined and
has continued to do SO ever since.
By comparison, the Soviet Union has accelerated the number and
frequency of launches. During the past 13 years, the Soviet Union
has launched 20 percent to 30 percent more missions of rocket
missile modules roughly comparable in scale to American launches.
Furthermore, Russian space missions are increasing in size-capacity
and technical sophistication.
Competition is neither the sole reason nor the guiding factor
in directing our space program, however.
Space represents an unknown realm of thought and action. The
challenge is inviting. We detect, from a faith born of achievements
in the past, that our advancement continues to depend on
exploration of the unknown.
"Doing it because it is there" is not our sole purpose either.
We do it to attack problems and challenges posed by existence
on this planet.
And in 50 doing for over a decade, we have developed an array
of practical applications; we foresee an increasingly impressive
pantheon of useful possibilities; we recognize the space program's
importance to our economic well-being-both as individuals
and as a nation, and we know instinctively that international pre-
eminence demands that we demonstrate continually improving
capabilities in space.
Thus, the ensuing pages scan briefly some of our direct accom-
plishments in space, beneficial spinoffs, our future possibilities, and
the economic advantages of the space program.
8
Communications
Satellite communication has, within a decade, moved from novelty
to accepted convenience. Communications satellites have become
an important adjunct to other communications carriers.
Television via satellite relay is widely familiar to the viewing
public, and international communications are routine. The Intelsat IV
satellite conveys 9,000 phone calls, 12 color television channels,
or any combination, between North and South America, Europe
and Africa. The dependability of these satellites is so high that they
were utilized as a replacement for transatlantic cable transmissions
during repair of the international cable. Such satellites also represent
a substantial communications cost reduction: relay costs approxi-
mate $4,000 per channel per year via satellites, as compared with
$25,000 per channel per year when using the recently laid
submarine cable.
In communications, 76 nations are joined in space's first
commercial venture, the Intelsat network. The network is now
orbiting fourth-generation spacecraft. It has 42 ground stations in
29 countries, it leases 2,000 circuits full-time, and it relays 1,000
hours of television around the world annually. Its success is an
indication of the commercial potential of space.
/
MMM
''' will
with
9
CALIFORNIA
SPACE
Weather
SHUTTLE
TASK
Meteorological observation via satellite has provided one of the
FORCE
most significant advances in weather reporting of this century.
Global weather reporting, through international cooperation, has
been expanding for more than 75 years. Yet until the advent of
weather satellites, this weather data came from less than 20 percent
of the Earth. The other 80 percent, primarily the oceans, was
subject to only scattered observations.
Early in the 1960's, however, the weather satellite made possible
the observation of the Earth's surface, on an all-encompassing
basis, with information transmitted immediately, and the ability to
undertake analysis within a useful time frame.
Since 1966, orbiting spacecraft equipped with cloud cover
cameras have provided man on earth with the opportunity to
observe the atmosphere on a continuous basis, a convenience that
gave us the ability to study the formation, path, and dissipation
of severe storms. At an altitude of 22,300 miles above the equator,
the ATS-3 spacecraft can scan the earth from west to east, while
the scene below passes by, requiring precisely 24 hours to complete
one revolution. Four synchronous meteorological satellites,
properly spaced around the earth, could monitor nearly all of the
earth's cloud cover all of the time. In SO doing, they would give
meteorologists the capability of watching and following hurricanes
and severe storms.
Weather forecasting is one of the most obvious beneficiaries
of space to date. Some 50 nations use the information provided by
our network of orbiting satellites. Advanced Tiros and Nimbus
spacecraft, planned during the 1970's, are steps toward developing
a comprehensive worldwide-weather model.
During the 1970's, advanced operational satellite-computer
technology should make routine the performance of reliable long-
range weather predictions of two weeks or longer.
Eventually, the weather satellite could be one of several devices
making possible weather control and modification through such
techniques as clearance of supercooled stratus and fog, the increase
or decrease of precipitation, the suppression of lightning, dissipation
of pending hail storms, the moderation of severe storms, and
varying the activity of large-scale circulations.
Air pollution will be observed by satellites and they will become
an invaluable tool in charting corrective action as they report
the transport and diffusion of pollutants and the effects of weather
and climate in the creation and dissipation of pollution.
Eventually, atmospheric structure will be understood through
satellite observations that will aid us in establishing a set of standards
for describing the atmosphere. This knowledge will be invaluable
in guiding aircraft operations, understanding the performance
characteristics of space vehicles, the planning of space operations,
and resolving the problems of reentry into the earth's atmosphere.
10
Navigation
Navigation requires the determination of position, the discerning
of the direction of movement from one point to another, and
the ability to communicate that information. Navigation via satellite
affords that ability. Additionally, it offers the possibility of doing
SO safely, of preplanning routes at minimum cost, and of transmitting
position information to others in cases of search and rescue.
Satellite navigation systems can provide global coverage. They
are practically invulnerable to weather, available day or night, and
are capable of responding instantaneously.
Earth-orbiting navigation satellites discern ship and aircraft
positions much more accurately than previous systems. In the fast-
moving environment of air traffic, such a capability is essential
for traffic control and collision avoidance. With satellite-assist,
controllers can pinpoint an aircraft's position within approximately
one mile.
11
CALIFORNIA
SPACE
Agriculture and Forestry
SHUT
TRSK
Observation via satellite offers a substantial improvement in the
kind of crop and forest observation that was initially made possible
through aerial photography. The satellite method makes possible
regular, periodic observation, on a routine basis, from distant,
all-encompassing views that can incorporate multi-spectral scanners,
infrared sensitive film, television and conventional photographic
techniques.
By aid of satellites and their remote sensors, man is assisted in
his management of food crop and timber resources. He can monitor
the health of the earth's timber resources, aid in determining the
best time to plant and to harvest for maximum yields, detect
potential damage to crops, help improve land use, conduct periodic
crop inventories, spot plant blights before they spread, and be
forewarned of impending droughts, erosion and floods.
Enlightened forestry is made more likely with satellite observations
that detect the rate and direction of spreading diseases, than can
aid in estimating timber yields, that scan remote areas in a survey of
timber, and that offer an early-warning technique for spotting
floods and forest fires.
Among the possibilities for agriculture and forestry:
Range surveys
Crop disease and insect invasion
detection
Forest fire detection
Agricultural development projects
Land use changes
Watershed and hydrologic studies
Crop identification
Forest disease and insect invasion
detection
Soil classification
Crop acreage control programs
Natural vegetation
Forest species identification
Flood control survey
Recreation site evaluation
Wildlife habitat
Irrigation development
12
Astronomy
Earth-bound astronomers have heretofore been limited in their
observations of space by the earth's obscuring atmosphere.
Observing equipment placed outside earth's envelope aid substan-
tially in understanding celestial mechanisms. By study across the
entire spectrum in wave length regions, astronomers have discovered
additional x-ray emissions from various regions of the sky, detected
ultraviolet and soft x-ray energies coming from the sun, and
discerned radio signals emanating from the earth that are similar
to radio waves that appear to be coming from the planet Jupiter.
Astronomy pursued via space shuttle and sortie missions will
be substantially improved. Instruments of larger size and greater
capability than used thus far by missile-borne satellite could
be transported by shuttle. Ordinarily, such instruments increase
greatly in cost when unmanned capabilities are added to their size
and complexity. But manned attendance of such instruments
within the Shuttle orbiter will allow for modification adjustment,
maintenance, repair, and film recovery and replenishment.
Advancement such as this will assist in transforming astronomy
from mere data gathering to achieving a better understanding
of the universe.
13
CALIFORNIA
Earth Resources
SPACE
SHUTTLE
TASK
From space, a new and comprehensive view of earth's resources is
FORCE
offered to man. It is a view that can contribute to conservation
as well as utilization, to planning and to development.
Every chemical element reflects or radiates a distinctive signature
across a spectrum of wave lengths such as ultraviolet, visible,
infrared, microwave, radio, etc. Photography by film sensitive to
these radiations provides information about earth resources that
heretofore was unavailable. With the proper use of this information,
a pattern of our resource supply can be matched with that of our
resource demands. Surveying of the earth's resources from outer
space is a significant extension of man's file of knowledge.
Our geologic knowledge, via space observation, investigates
the earth's composition, structure, stratigraphy and history. The
technique gives us the capability to map geology and geophysics on
a regional basis. Eventually we will be able to develop methods
for monitoring natural disturbances.
Mineral resource observation encompasses the ores, such as
iron, copper, and gold; the non-metallic deposits, such as sand,
gravel and limestone; and oil and gas.
Electromagnetic energy and the electrical properties of rocks and
terrains are even more satisfactorily observed from space than
from the limited height of aircraft observation. Observation from a
limited height, while revealing, has to contend with the variables
of sun angles and temperature and moisture changes. Optical
observations from space, providing a chance to "see" large structural
situations, improves upon this technique.
Gemini and Apollo series photographic observations gave us the
first all-encompassing views of the Himalayas and the Andes,
the practical applications of locating new oil deposits in Australia,
and a photo mosaic of Peru more accurate than any map.
14
Oceanography
Two-thirds of the earth's surface is covered by the oceans. They
can be viewed in their vast scope only from a distant point in space.
It is this distant point of view that can be utilized to increase our
understanding of the oceans, to utilize them as a medium of
transport, to detect their influence on weather and climate, and to
evaluate them as fishing grounds.
Current means of investigating and reporting on the oceans
are scattered, sporadic, and economically inefficient if a saturation
of coverage is desired. The present methods include shipboard
observation, reporting buoys, aircraft survey and coastline
observation. The vastness of the oceans limits our ability to extend
these methods in volume.
Furthermore, the continually changing state of the sea requires
that information, in order to be useful, must be gathered quickly.
Several techniques via satellites are in various states of use or
development. They include:
State of the sea, insofar as the relationship between wave height
and wind force is discernible by remote wave-height sensors.
Thermal conditions and the temperature of the sea surface are
among the variables that can also be discerned by remote sensing.
Sea ice was among the first oceanographic features transmitted
by the original meteorological satellite, TIROS 1, launched in the
Spring of 1960.
Location of currents and water masses by thermal characteristics,
as well as by water coloration, have been reported from space
observations.
Mapping of coastal areas, regardless of weather conditions,
is possible from satellites and aids in rapid detection of shifts in
shoreline as a result of storms and floods.
Movement of biological phenomena in the oceans, discernible
either by heat or color, can imply a possible relationship between
concentrations of fish and marine organisms. The capability to make
these observations may assist in understanding the significance
to man of commercial fishing policies and the wise use of our
fishing resources.
15
CALIFORNIA
SPACE
Spinoffs, the Extra Bonus
SHUTTLE
TRSK
Some of the returns from the space program are not easy to
FORCE
price-tag. These are discoveries made during development of space
hardware, discoveries that have been transferred into everyday
life. The magnitude and challenge of the space program have led to
revelations in almost every conceivable science, technology and
craft. The revelations have been converted to practical applications.
No American is unaffected by them.
The spinoffs from space are more than products and techniques;
in some cases they are new industries, or new directions for
established industries. Systems-engineering and the science of
reliability are examples of the former; the advances in computer
technology and microminiaturization illustrate the latter.
One of the biggest beneficiaries of space research has been
medicine. The merging of bioscience and engineering, forced by the
demands of adapting man and space, has resulted in numerous
medical devices and techniques.
Dry, spray-on electrode techniques enable an electrocardiogram
to be taken, for instance, in an ambulance on the way to a hospital.
Sensors smaller than the head of a pin can be inserted into a vein
for measuring blood pressure without interfering with circulation.
An automatic living-cell analyzer can produce almost instantaneous
blood counts A switch is now in existence which can be operated
by eye movements of a paralyzed patient. A telemetry unit monitors
cardiac patients in intensive care units.
New materials have been developed in response to the quest for
lightweight, strong, heat-resistant components used in space. A
new type of pipe, built of plastic mortar and reinforced with fiber-
glass, is light, thin-walled, noncorrosive, and practically unbreakable,
making it perfect for water, sewage, and irrigation systems. A
polyurethane spray foam is now used to insulate the hold of a tuna
boat. Another space insulation-an aluminized plastic only half
a thousandth of an inch thick-is being sold commercially as
an emergency blanket; it has unique heat-reflecting properties and
surprising strength.
Sampling other spinoffs: an electromagnetic hammer, originally
devised for space use, now used in building ships and autos; a
plastic material for packaging meat; foamed resins employed to
refloat sunken ships; adhesives for bonding auto trim; a fire-resistant
material which can be made into soft, resilient garments; semi-
conductors 3/16th of an inch in diameter which contain more than
1,000 circuits; an anti-skidding technique for freeway-driving trucks;
and computer programming which has been adapted to such
diverse uses as an instant flight and reservations system for airlines
and swift handling of stock market transactions.
There are other, less tangible payoffs. Our basic knowledge has
been enriched enormously in many fields: the biosciences, physics,
astronomy, geology, engineering. Space research has resulted in
technological advances ranking with mankind's most significant
discoveries. Space has been among our best salesmen abroad. Few
of our accomplishments are so influential in demonstrating our
capabilities, demonstrating our goodwill through the services of
space satellites, and in enhancing U.S. prestige around the world.
The transfer of knowledge both by intent and coincidence
continues. The possibilities for transfer stimulate new economic
enterprises.
16
FUTURE
Pollution Control
The interrelationship of all the factors that contribute toward
pollution requires the distant, all-encompassing view from outer
space. This use of outer space will aid us in locating and minimizing
pollution of the oceans and major lakes. It will detect the heat and
content changes that typify pollution growth, and it will continue
to detect disease and insect growth patterns.
Space Manufacturing
The Shuttle's cargo bay, and ability to service stations in space, make
it an ideal mechanism for aiding in the development of products
that are more easily created in the weightlessness and hard vacuum
of space. These possibilities include foam-type steel that has the
strength of solid steels yet the lightness of balsa wood; the growth
of crystals for industrial uses; and the production by filtration
of medical vaccines and drug cultures that can be made better and
less expensively in space.
Vacuum of a greater volume than practical in laboratory
operations is one of the prime advantages of operations in space.
Manufacturing and assembly techniques that utilize vacuum
will receive a significant boost once the shuttle makes space more
easily accessible.
In addition to the prime advantage of vacuum, operations in space
could also make use of:
Radiation, or the absence of radiation
Weightlessness, and near-zero gravitational forces
Various temperature extremes
Clean environments free of gaseous contamination
Quiet, and absence of sound
Returning Weights to Earth
Heretofore, we have envisioned as our immediate goal the task of
delivering weights, or payloads to space and to orbit. Ultimately, we
will find it feasible, and to our advantage on earth, to return
weights from space.
Those materials and resources which are increasingly short of
supply on earth, or more expensive to provide on earth, may
become available to us from space. Our task will be to bring them
to earth. Among the possibilities is the retrieval of methane,
gradually diminishing in earth-bound availability but potentially
harvestable in space. Metals and ores, of which we may yet be
unaware, may become evident in space and aid us in replenishing a
depleting earth.
Thus, for the first time, the Space Shuttle system will provide a
mechanism for harvesting space, for bringing back more than
we deliver, and for selecting for return to earth those items needed
by man.
17
CALIFORNIA
NATIONAL SECURITY
SPACE
SHUTTLE
TRSK
FORCE
The Influence of Capability
Ideals and goals, no matter how worthy, must be matched by a
recognized talent and strength to support those goals. Intentions
can be good. But for intentions to be believed or endorsed, a
capability for follow-through has to be evident.
The evidence of producing and operating a Space Shuttle system
gives believable "tooth" to our capabilities, and makes it feasible
to endorse our intentions. Those intentions can be protection of our
integrity, or the extension of that protection to weaker members
of the international community.
The technical challenges of creating the Space Shuttle will
advance our knowledge and ability.
The existence of a Space Shuttle will help to secure our inter-
national position.
From a national security standpoint, the Space Shuttle affords
a wise balance encompassing prudent defense as well as an active,
maneuverable position apart from an earth-bound existence,
and includes:
Photographic reconnaissance
Ballistic missile early warning
Electronic reconnaissance
Nuclear detection
Radar mapping
Satellite retrieval
Infrared mapping
Satellite interception
Communications
A capability for advanced systems requiring the flexible, return-
able, maneuverable, man-sustaining features of the Shuttle.
18
SPACE SHUTTLE IN OPERATION
A Mighty Duo
Standing at the pad the booster will measure 270 feet in length with
a wingspan of about 150 feet, roughly comparable to a 747 or
C5A aircraft. Affixed to the booster, either on the back or belly-to-
belly, is the orbiter. The orbiter will measure 190 feet in length
with a wingspan of 107 feet. Thus, the orbiter approximates a 707
airplane. Mated for launch, and depending on the configuration,
they will stand between 270 and 290 feet high.
Delta-Wing Maneuverability
in
The orbiter's configuration will be delta-winged, permitting a
cross-range capability of 1,100 nautical miles, the equivalent of
Earth's eastward movement during the time span of a single polar
orbit. This delta wing cross-range capability allows the craft to
maneuver laterally during reentry, making fewer landing sites neces-
sary, as well as providing the capability for an immediate, one-loop,
return to the original base. The delta wing configuration will
reenter the atmosphere at lower angles of attack and achieve a
higher hypersonic lift-to-drag ratio. A severe thermal environment
is encountered during this reentry at a lower angle and thereby
requires intensive work in the development of thermal protection
systems.
19
Hefting Into Space
Fully loaded, the two will have a liftoff weight of approximately
4.6 to 5 million pounds. Of that weight, 40,000 pounds can be
payload going into a polar orbit. Or, if an eastward equatorial launch
is planned, the payload could be as heavy as 65,000 pounds by
taking advantage of the eastward thrust of the rotating earth.
Differences in payload weight vary according to direction of launch
and altitude of orbit.
Cargo Compartment
The payload will be housed in the orbiter's cylindrical cargo bay
measuring 15 feet by 60 feet in length. Today's launch vehicle cargo
bays are 50 feet by 10 feet in diameter.
Crew
Both booster and orbiter have crew compartments. The booster's
accommodates two pilots who will return the craft for landing. The
orbiter also has a crew of two to navigate returns, but it will also
be able to carry up to 12 passengers. The cabins in both will have a
shirtsleeve environment, wherein spacesuits will not be necessary,
which will be served by an atmosphere of oxygen and nitrogen.
SEPARATION
LAUNCH
20
CALIFORNIA
SPACE
Thrusting Into Space
SHUTTLE
TASK
Upon liftoff, the mated Shuttle rises vertically. By the time it has
FORCE
achieved 40 miles in height, the Shuttle will be traveling at almost
7,000 miles per hour. Yet, the rate of boost will have been throttled
to within a 3g limit of acceleration that is tolerable for non-
astronaut passengers, as compared with the 10g boost acceleration
of current space rocketry, which requires training and a high
degree of physical fitness for astronaut passengers.
Separation, Return
At about a 40-nautical-mile height, three and a half minutes after
liftoff, the orbiter will separate from the booster. The two units will
be about 115 nautical miles down-range at that time. The booster
then descends at a high angle of attack to minimize heat pulse,
reenters the earth's atmosphere and decelerates or slows down
through friction with the atmosphere for the two-hour return cruise
to the landing field. When the booster reaches subsonic speed,
jet engines are started for an approximate 400-nautical-mile cruise
back at about a 13,500-foot elevation to the launch or nearby
retrieval base.
Orbiting
The orbiter, meanwhile, has continued, under power of its two main
rocket engines, to proceed to an orbital speed of approximately
18,000 miles per hour. The orbiter is injected into an elliptical
parking orbit and then to a circular rendezvous orbit. The orbiter
will be designed to operate in low-earth orbits up to an altitude
of 600 nautical miles. There, the craft has a nominal seven-day
ORBIT
mission capability, but will also be qualified for as much as 30 days
of orbital operation, the weight of expendables for survival in
space beyond the seven days being charged against the payload.
At Work in Space
The 10,000-cubic-foot internal cargo bay may house passengers,
transport satellites to orbit, provide repair facilities for servicing
hardware in orbit, or serve as a retrieval carrier for items being
brought back from space.
REENTRY
LANDING
21
CALIFORNIA
Clean, Forceful Power
SPACE
SHUTTLE
TRSK
Propulsion for both booster and orbiter will be by means of liquid
FORCE
oxygen/liquid hydrogen engines utilizing the same basic engine
design for both vehicles. One of the truly great developments of the
20th Century, the liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen engine burns
"clean," leaving behind a trace of harmless water vapor. It has been
developed to deliver an enormous thrust energy; it is of a non-toxic,
non-corrosive nature, and it is powered by relatively inexpensive
and readily available oxygen and hydrogen reduced to liquid form.
Engine Commonality
Twelve identical engines on the booster will each deliver 550,000
pounds of thrust at sea level. Two additional engines of similar
design will be mounted on the orbiter where their performance in
vacuum will deliver 632,000 pounds of thrust. Each engine consists
of the common powerhead joined to a fixed nozzle of different
contour than that of the booster engine, plus a unique extendible
skirt. After separation from the booster, the orbiter's engine
skirt will be extended before the engine is started to achieve a
higher expansion ratio and higher specific impulse.
Reusable Engines
The engines are similar to those used recently in Saturn's second
and third stages. Yet, the goal now is not merely a single use. The
shuttle engines will be capable of 7½ hours of burn time achieved
during 100 different flights over several years of operation.
Power Within Earth's Atmosphere
Air-breathing, auxiliary propulsion engines will be required for
return of the booster to the launch base, and possibly by the
orbiter for a similar reason. Consideration is given to elimination of
auxiliary engines on the orbiter, thereby maximizing the payload
while minimizing the fuel and equipment that would be required to
orbit, and return, solely for powered flight purposes prior to landing.
Advancing Engine Technology
The auxiliary engines will also use oxygen and hydrogen as
propellants, thereby maintaining a commonality with the main
propulsion systems. The ability to light-up for a powered return is
requiring an intensive investigation of new technology in ignition
devices, large diameter propellant valves, gas generators, turbo-
pumps and heat exchangers. The aim is to provide instant reliability
in starting a system that converts liquid to gaseous propellant
efficiently and avoiding waste.
22
Heat-Resisting Skin
During reentry of the Space Shuttle, temperatures will reach
2,000°F or higher on such areas as the nose and leading edges. This
suggests the desirability of a reliable, light-weight, reusable
thermal protection system which is now undergoing intensive
investigation. The thermal protection system, or TPS, could be
re-radiative metallic or non-metallic systems.
Metallic Protection
The metallic protection skins being studied include the super-alloys
such as Rene 41, TD-NiCr (Thoria dispersed nickel chrome), and
coated refractory metals such as Columbium. Columbium has
high-temperature strength and low weight, providing an excellent
strength-to-weight ratio for hypersonic space vehicles. Tantalum
is also considered, particularly because its corrosion-resistant
properties are similar to glass, yet it has the strength of steel in
addition to superior heat transfer capabilities.
Fibre Insulation
Various types of mullite hardened-compacted-fibres, backed up
by insulation and applied to the exterior of the vehicles, are also
being examined.
Reusable Replaceable Panels
Panels will be reused as often as possible to adhere to a manage-
able rate of replacement and quantity. For instance, on the booster,
one study foresees over 3,900 panels of 475 different types being
useful for about a dozen missions with careful service prior
to replacement.
23
LIFORNIA
Return to Earth
SPACE
SHUTTLE
TASK
Both vehicles will return to earth through initial and modest rocket
FORCE
deceleration. They reenter the earth's atmosphere, crossing through
the supersonic high-temperature region, slowing to subsonic
speed, and cruise or descend to land like a jet aircraft. In some
recent experiments at the Edwards, California, base "lifting bodies"
resembling scaled-down orbiters have been landed through a
sharp dive and a last moment aerodynamic lift to cushion the
horizontal landing.
Landing Speeds
Landing speeds for the booster may be slightly greater than that
of the 747 aircraft, or about 155 knots. The orbiter will land relatively
faster, somewhat like the Concorde or a supersonic transport,
at about 170 knots.
Airfield Runway
Ten-thousand-foot runways, with additional 2,000 feet overruns at
each end, are anticipated as a requirement for Shuttle landing
facilities. Once down, the booster will be towed to a "safing" area
for cooling and for purging of liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen
propellants from the tanks. A similar maintenance procedure is used
on the orbiter. Then, both vehicles will be towed to maintenance
shops for refurbishment, thermal protection system checkout,
payload removal, analysis of maintenance recorder tapes and logs,
and readiness for the next launch.
18416
24
Two-Week Turnaround
Ideally, the Shuttle vehicles are planned to be ready for flight again
within about a two-week interval. Ground turnaround operations
may resemble the next generation of conventional airline procedures
rather than the more laborious, one-at-a-time preparation that
has characterized missile launches of the past decade.
Prelaunch
Prelaunch preparations will include placing the payload aboard
the orbiter and mating the orbiter to the booster. Whether the
mating of the two should be done horizontally or vertically has not
been ascertained, as yet.
Horizontal Mating
The horizontal mating technique is preferred by those professionals
who advocate that work be done while the orbiter is in a horizontal
position resembling that which will exist during most of its
operational activity; horizontal access is more readily available
to a large number of technicians, compared to the delays and
inconvenience of operating within the confines of a vertical elevator;
horizontal mating might eliminate the need for an unduly high
vertical assembly building; and horizontal towing to the launch sight
might be more easily, safely and less expensively achieved than
towing of a vertically mated booster and orbiter. The horizontally
prepared Shuttle would then be raised by strong-back or strong-arm
to its vertical liftoff position at the pad.
Vertical Mating
Proponents of vertical mating and a vertical transport to the pad
have adapted their preferences from a generation's experience with
former missiles that were stacked and serviced during readiness.
Just Before Liftoff
Within the final 24 hours prior to liftoff, the mated vehicles will
be towed to the pad and systems checked out. During the conclud-
ing 2½ hours before launch, the propellants will be loaded
simultaneously.
25
CALIFORNIA
SPACE
Scheduling a Decade
SHUTTLE
TASK
This, then, is the pattern that may be followed for launches and
FORCE
flight regime which may proceed at the rate, initially, of about 25 a
year, reach a schedule of 50 annually, and by the close of the
1980's exceed 75 a year.
Space Rescue
At last, the Space Shuttle will bring within our capability a quick
reaction for space rescue. The intent is to create a system which
could be available within two hours notice and possess the maneu-
verability to go where help is needed and the capability for a safe
and guided return to earth.
Intact Abort
Intentionally, the Shuttle will be designed to survive the malfunction
of many of its systems and provide a crew with the opportunity
to employ piloting techniques for a safe return to earth of crew,
vehicle and payload. This aim of an "intact abort" strives for a goal
of launching into orbit with a minimum necessity for avoiding
trajectories that pass over populated areas and to minimize the
necessity of ascending flight over broad expanses of water solely for
emergency landing purposes.
26
Testing
The initial number of Shuttle vehicles to be produced will be
small, perhaps not more than five or six, and testing will take place
with vehicles intended for a long-term operational use.
Background of Experience
At the Edwards, California, base, a series of tests on so-called
"lifting bodies" have been conducted from 1966 to the present. This
test experience with unique forms and shapes that have earned
descriptive phrases such as "Flying Bathtub" (M2-43), "Flying
Flatiron" (HL-10), and "Flying Football" (X-24) provides some basis
for our understanding of orbiter possibilities. Nearly 200 X-15
flights provided useful data about such flights to an altitude of
67 miles with speeds in excess of Mach 6. The X-24 has explored
the flight regime from Mach 2 to horizontal landing.
Wind Tunnel
Looking ahead to the Shuttle area, 2,000 to 3,000 hours of wind
tunnel time may be required for each configuration selected for
the Shuttle.
Horizontal Flight Test
Initially, horizontal flight testing will probe handling qualities, the
operation of basic systems, trajectories and approaches to landing
from high altitudes to ground level. Both orbiter and booster
may each undergo as many as 400 hours of horizontal flight testing,
both suborbital and orbital.
Vertical Flight Test
Ultimately, vertical launch will cap the testing program. Some
specialists prophesy that this ground and flight vertification program
will be as extensive as eight years of operation.
27
CALIFORNIA
COST ADVANTAGES
SPACE
SHUTTLE
TRSK
By reducing the cost per pound of payload and eliminating the
FORCE
duplication in launch vehicle costs, the Shuttle contributes greatly to
economy in these immediate and vital areas of vehicle operation.
But, the Shuttle also contributes to another, not so readily
apparent, economy: it increases significantly the capabilities of
automatic spacecraft; or, conversely, it decreases the cost for the
level of capability the Shuttle makes possible.
Design of today's automated satellites is restrained by such
limitations as the amount of propellants or gases that can be carried
for extended operation. Opportunities are constrained by the
relatively short lifetime of certain components such as batteries.
Costlier operations are inherent in today's need for alternate
substitute systems so the entire mission-spacecraft and launch
vehicle-are not wasted because of the failure of a key element.
Today's orbiting spacecraft also have to be confined in size and
shape to fit within current shrouds and nosecones. They are exposed
to the stresses and severe variations of pressure, heating, vibration
and noise that accompany present-day launches. They frequently
require explosive separation systems to be separated safely from
shrouds, elaborate deployment systems for antennas and sensors,
and additional propulsion systems to adjust orbits and maintain
proper attitude.
Doing it automatically is frequently complex. Complexity breeds
expense.
The presence of man with all his intuitive capabilities, his talent
of making decisions and guiding actions, will reduce the cost
of automation.
Automated and unmanned systems are unnecessary with Shuttle.
The payloads will be stored aboard the Shuttle's large cargo bay,
sheltered further from the mild environment of the Shuttle launch.
The bay will accommodate odd sizes and shapes. Once in orbit,
Shuttle crewmen can position satellites precisely and deploy
antennas and sensors. Crewmen can repair malfunctions and replace
old equipment with new. If necessary, the Shuttle will bring the
entire satellite back to earth for refurbishment and repair. It is antici-
pated that such retrieval and relaunching will result in savings of
55 percent to 60 percent in payload development costs as compared
with today's expenditures.
Pushing the Technological Frontier
Advancements in technology lead to abilities
abilities of men
and of manufacturers. When America has the talent and the capa-
bilities, particularly those skills and products not readily available
elsewhere, we become the purveyor to the world. We have evidently
elected not to compete by lowering our wage scale. Instead, we
have demonstrated an ability to compete through superior produc-
tion. Space Shuttle requires our furthering this process by pushing
the technological frontier in several categories. Resolution of those
technical problem categories should enhance our capabilities
for competition, and to do so through benefit and appeal rather
than through coercion or exploitation of human working potential.
28
Reusability
The element that makes the Shuttle economical - reusability -
is also the element that makes development difficult. Today's space
hardware is designed for one use only; it need only last a specified
minimum time to fulfill its mission.
The capability for repetitive use of the Shuttle imposes an
obligation on our technical skills. It demands we overcome problems
within flight structure of strain, fatigue, temperature changes
and wear.
Structures require that we evolve some aircraft techniques
and methods into missile and space-vehicle concepts.
The shuttle will merge aircraft with space vehicle to result in
structures that are lightweight yet durable.
Thermal protection systems have yet to be improved that
are reusable, lend themselves to rapid changeover, and probe
the frontiers of metals and fibres.
Propulsion systems will require longer life, capabilities
for starts and stops, and a reusability never before demanded
of missile engines.
Flightworthiness and the effects of flight over a broad regime
requires that we understand the effects and challenges of this
environment to a greater extent than ever before.
Componetry will need improvements in reliability, weight and
size reduction, and adaptability to the wide variety of missions
anticipated for the Shuttle.
Landing gear will need to be devised of more extensive
capability than any used heretofore.
These needs impose a process of study and review, critique
and test, manufacture and verification of Shuttle technology that will
present us with an array of talents and products not otherwise
available to man.
What Shuttle Means to Industry
A government expert estimates that at the peak of its development,
the shuttle will contribute 70,000 to 80,000 jobs, 90 percent of
them in private industry. For decades thereafter, thousands of tech-
nicians will be employed at the launch and retrieval site base;
others will work on payloads nearby. The Shuttle will help save and
develop a national resource - the highly skilled, problem-solving,
multi-disciplined technical force that is now being rapidly dissipated.
a
29
Shuttle's Significance to the Economy
Dollars spent on the space program go directly into the economy.
They go to payrolls, public and private; they develop industry;
they support construction and real estate. In short, space dollars
convert to jobs.
In addition, space is a major contributor, both directly and
indirectly through spinoffs, to that significant area in which we
export more than we import: high-technology products.
Every dollar spent on a space program is invested on earth.
This truth clarifies an incomplete assumption that we send billions
into space when we might better spend the money on earth.
A recent economic study indicated that ten billion dollars invested
to develop and operate the Shuttle over a period of 15 years would
result in almost 27 billion dollars of additional indirect stimulation
of the economy. This multiplication of impact occurs through
the retail purchasing power of aerospace employees working on the
Shuttle program. Thus the accumulated impact on the U.S. economy
in jobs and income could be more than 37 billion dollars.
In addition to the economic advancement made possible by the
Shuttle, the nation's working population will gain from a program
of the Shuttle's magnitude as it did from the Apollo program. At the
peak of Apollo's development, almost 400,000 workers in 48 of
the 50 states were involved.
The salaries of these workers encompassed every level. But the
greatest amount of money was apportioned among middle class
workers having annual incomes between $6,000 and $15,000 per
year. At this economic level, salaries were most often channeled
directly into the economy of the nation rather than becoming idle or
invested in savings and real estate
The national economic impact of the Shuttle program was
analyzed recently using an ergometric technique developed by the
University of Maryland. To evaluate its impact, the Shuttle was
compared with two other programs of equivalent expenditure, a
residential housing program and an increased level of consumer
spending (the latter could result from such programs as increased
welfare or social security benefits, or a reduction in personal
income taxes).
For the same dollar expenditure, total domestic production
requirements would be higher for the Shuttle program than for
either of the others. Based on an 8.6-billion-dollar expenditure, the
Shuttle program's purchases would be $9.5 billion as compared
with the smaller anticipated $8.8 billion for consumer spending and
the substantially smaller $6.4 billion for the housing program.
30
Favorable Balance of Trade Impact
In addition, the Shuttle would have a favorable effect on the
U.S. balance of trade, by inducing high exports and considerably
lower imports. The other two programs would have far less favorable
effect on improving our balance of trade.
The problem of importing more than we export is a grave one and
has been steadily worsening for the United States. The most
significant inducement for a positive balance is through our high-
technology products. Space programs stimulate this capability
and therefore contribute greatly to a favorable balance; conversely,
as space activity declines so does our balance of trade.
Finally, the study discerned that 407,000 man-years of employ-
ment would be created in the aerospace and allied industries,
while a smaller volume of 283,000 man-years would prevail in
non-aerospace industries.
Halt the Dissipation of Our Talent
A less obvious but equally important result of Shuttle would be to
stem the present trend away from engineering and scientific studies
in colleges. Not only has enrollment in technical studies dropped
drastically in recent years-at least in part because of an anticipated
lack of employment in the aerospace, electronic, computer, and
other technical industries-but many engineers and scientists
have deserted their careers and professions in bitterness over layoffs
and cancelled programs.
As a result, the U.S. may be inducing a "brain gap" - a shortage
of qualified technical workers in the near future when they will be
desperately needed. The Shuttle is one of the few national
programs that can help prevent this gap.
31
CALIFORNIA
WHY START BUILDING NOW?
SPACE
SHUTTLE
TASK
Because the Shuttle is now a practical tool for changing our space
FORCE
effort from one of essentially scientific experimentation to one
of routine operations with economic payoffs. These payoffs are two-
fold: the significantly lower costs of conducting the program, and
the increase in breadth and depth of direct benefits from space. Yet,
creation of the Shuttle takes time. Dedication to the task is required
now in order to have a useful Shuttle at the close of the 1970's.
For the short-range future, no intermediate manned launch
system is undergoing development. A gap in the U.S. manned space
program of at least five years is now inevitable. Consequently,
Shuttle development should begin now in an orderly and balanced
manner to insure the gap is as narrow as possible and to avoid
a costly and risky crash program in reaction to competitive inter-
national pressures, such as the presence in space of a permanent
Soviet manned space station.
By deciding now, we can fashion a future of our selection, rather
than of reaction.
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
DEFINITION STUDIES
TECHNOLOGY
DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
GROUND TEST
SITE PREPARATION
First horizontal
flight
FLIGHT TEST
First manned
Operational
orbital flight
shuttle
ORBITAL FLIGHTS
32
Chairman
Robert H. Volk
President, Unionamerica, Inc.
Co-Chairmen
Ed Reinecke
Lt. Governor, State of California
Thomas L. Lowe
Chairman, Economic Development Committee
California Chamber of Commerce
James A. Cook
Executive Director
445 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, California 90017
(213) 687-6305
(
5.