Space colony transportation

Abstract

The Space Shuttle, Space Tug, and Spacelab are described as the basic transport vehicles for space exploration and operations in the coming decade, and some future space vehicle developments are anticipated. Components of Shuttle (Orbiter, external hydrogen-oxygen propellant tanks, solid boosters), basic maneuvers, and missions are described briefly. Expendable and reusable variants of the Interim Upper Stage (Space Tug) and Spacelab missions are described briefly. A future Large Lift Vehicle recoverable booster and an expendable chemical-nuclear system for the turn of the century are sketched.