Reusable Launch Vehicle -- Copyright -- Preface -- Contents -- List of Tables and Figures -- Executive Summary -- COMPOSITE PRIMARY STRUCTURES -- MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING PRIMARY STRUCTURES -- REUSABLE CRYOGENIC TANKS -- Al-Li Cryogenic Tanks -- Major Recommendations Regarding Al-Li Cryogenic Tanks -- Organic-Matrix Composite Cryogenic Tanks -- Major Recommendations Regarding Organic-Matrix Composite Cryogenic Tanks -- THERMAL PROTECTION SYSTEMS -- Major Recommendations Regarding TPS -- PROPULSION SYSTEMS -- Major Recommendations Regarding Propulsion Systems -- GENERAL OBSERVATIONS -- 1 Introduction -- BACKGROUND -- DECISION CRITERIA -- STUDY TASK -- APPROACH -- ORGANIZATION OF THE REPORT -- 2 Primary Vehicle Structure -- INTRODUCTION -- DECISION CRITERIA -- NASA/INDUSTRY PROGRAMS -- Design Practices -- Components of Major Structures -- Development and Test Programs -- Alternate and Supplemental Technologies -- FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS -- Findings -- Recommendations -- 3 Reusable Cryogenic Tank System -- INTRODUCTION -- DECISION CRITERIA -- NASA/INDUSTRY PROGRAMS-AL-LI CRYOGENIC TANKS -- FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS-AL-LI CRYOGENIC TANKS -- Findings -- Selection of Materials -- Welding -- Near-Net-Shape Forming -- LOX Tank -- LH2 Tank -- Recommendations -- NASA/INDUSTRY PROGRAMS-ORGANIC-MATRIX COMPOSITE TANKS -- FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS-ORGANIC-MATRIX COMPOSITE TANKS -- Findings -- Cycle Life -- Producibility -- LOX Tank -- Recommendations -- 4 Thermal Protection System -- INTRODUCTION -- DECISION CRITERIA -- NASA/INDUSTRY PROGRAMS -- FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS -- Findings -- Recommendations -- 5 Propulsion -- INTRODUCTION -- DECISION CRITERIA -- NASA/INDUSTRY PROGRAMS -- Engines -- Existing Engines -- Upgraded Engines -- New Engines -- Engine Applicability to X-33 and RLV -- Performance -- Sea-Level F/W Improvement -- Throttling.

Turbopumps and Pumps -- Combustion and Mixture Ratio -- Gas generators -- Injectors -- Combustion Chambers -- Nozzles -- Producibility, Reusability, Maintainability and Operability -- Manufacturing Operations -- Turbomachinery (turbines, pumps, assemblies) -- Revolutionary Reusable Technology Turbopump (RRTT) and Other Advanced Turbopumps -- Hydrostatic (Hydrodynamic) Bearings -- High Performance Low Maintenance Powerheads -- Combustors and Nozzles -- SSME Block III Controller/New RD-0120 Controller -- Valve Actuation -- Health Monitoring -- High Reliability Sensors -- New Fabrication Techniques -- New Materials -- FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS -- Findings -- Recommendations -- 6 Conclusions and Observations -- MATERIALS -- PROPULSION -- OBSERVATIONS -- Appendix A List of Participants -- Appendix B Biographical Sketches of Committee Members -- Appendix C List of Acronyms/Abbreviations.