Reusable Launch Vehicle Design Implications for Regeneration Time Thesis

In the last few years, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) sponsored several research projects on a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) whose design, operation, and logistics requirements are intended to be much simpler than for the Space Shuttle. As part of these efforts, the previous researchers developed a discrete-event simulation model, called Maintenance, Integration, and Launch Pad Operations Simulation and Test (MILEPOST), that simulates the post-landing, ground maintenance and pre-launch operations of a RLV generating useful information to evaluate how RLV design parameters affect the logistics operations. The present study identifies significant effects of the RLV's design characteristics by means of running the AFRL’s MILEPOST model in a systematic design of experiment (DOE) approach. In addition, it assesses the impact of varying resources (manpower, ground support equipment and fleet size) on departure availability. Introduction In this new century, the United States Air Force’s (USAF) need for space capabilities became evident. The advantages these capabilities provide to the Air Force are vital to meeting its mission. Two concepts are developed in USAF’s basic doctrine: air and space superiority and