| ID | 106908 |
| Title Proper | Cost of reaching orbit |
| Other Title Information | ground-based launch systems |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Coopersmith, Jonathan |
| Publication | 2011. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | The high cost of launching payloads into orbit - roughly $20,000/kg - continues to deter large-scale exploration and exploitation of space. Ground-based launch systems may radically reduce costs to $200/kg, drastically altering the economics of spaceflight. Low costs will encourage the creation of new markets, including solar-based power satellites and disposal of nuclear waste. The US government should establish a goal of $200/kg by 2020 and provide the resources needed to develop such systems. |
| `In' analytical Note | Space Policy Vol. 27, No. 2; May 2011: p77-80 |
| Journal Source | Space Policy Vol. 27, No. 2; May 2011: p77-80 |
| Key Words | Chemical Rockets ; Ground-based Launch System ; Nuclear Waste ; Solar Power |