* 100 mission life.
* Ability to attain orbits of up to 600 miles.
* Ability to land on existing runways.
All of these design criteria made the space shuttle unique. Never before had a spaceship been launched, remained in orbit for days, and then returned to land on a runway. The reusability of the space shuttle was key to making space travel economically reasonable.
Since its first flight in August of 1977, the space shuttles have logged dozens of missions. From scientific research to satellite placement, the space shuttle system has proven to be both efficient and effective. Although it has been revised over the years, its 20 year old design it becoming outdated. NASA recently signed a contract with Lockheed Martin, for the next generation space shuttle. Allowing the private sector to shoulder the brunt of research and design costs, provides for growth in the industry. The dire effects of government cutbacks can also be avoided by putting the financial responsibility in the hands of the private sector.
Summary
Although the space shuttle system and modern day satellites have performed effectively to this point, it is very important that their replacement systems be designed and tested as soon as possible. The continued success of the U.S. Space Program will depend upon the following:
1. The arousal of national public interest.
2. Research and funding from the private sector.
3. NASA’s ability to set and revise goals.
THE FINAL FRONTIER
Introduction
Space flight remains in its infancy. Future generations will witness the International Space Station, manned missions to Mars, and even mining operations in space. Tapping in to the vast secrets and resources of space will guarantee our success as a nation and a species.
U.S. Interests in Space
Throughout the next twenty-five years, the U.S. Space Program will continue to grow. At present, the International Space Station has already been designed. Its implementation will bring the world together in space. This space laboratory will be the bed of many new and exciting ideas, discoveries, and inventions. These ideas, discoveries, and inventions will provide the means to begin space mining operations and to further space exploration efforts.
Summary
Continued growth in the aerospace industry is essential. By discovering the secrets of space and harnessing its resources, humans can insure their success. As a nation, the United States needs to lead the world’s international space efforts. This will prove to be profitable for the United States, and for the rest of the world as well.
CONCLUSION
Summary
This report has taken an in depth look at the birth and growth of the aerospace industry. The areas of consideration have included:
1. THE HISTORY OF FLIGHT This section described the people and ideas that brought about the aerospace industry. The key ideas and concepts that lead to exceptional growth, public interest and awareness, intranational and international competition, and the motivation to set and attain goals were discussed in detail.
2. THE HISTORY OF THE U.S. SPACE PROGRAM This section described the birth of the U.S. Space Program. The need to maintain public interest, to continue to set and revise goals, and to continue to provide funding for space exploration were stressed.
3. CURRENT AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES This section briefly described the current uses and issues involved with satellites and the space shuttle system. Emphasis was placed on the design and implementation of replacement systems.
4. THE FINAL FRONTIER This section discussed some of the ideas that may be implemented in the future. More specifically, the International Space Station, the exploration of Mars, and mining in space were discussed briefly. Emphasis was placed on continuing growth and world leadership in the U.S. aerospace industry.
Closing Comments
Growth in the aerospace industry is essential! As this report has detailed, in order to achieve growth in the aerospace industry the United States must:
1. Arouse and maintain public interest.
2. Provide the motivation for the private sector to set and attain goals.
3. Compete with the nations of the world in the aerospace industry.
4. Continue to provide funding for aerospace programs.
The United States’ success in the 21st century will be dependent on these ideas. As the finite resources of this planet continue to dwindle, our success as a species will also become dependent on these ideas.