Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs) and Cost Engineering Principles

Cost Comparison of Expendable, Hybrid, and Reusable Launch Vehicles

“…Koelle uses data from historical launch systems to develop best fit curves to approximate development cost, first unit production costs, and other factors pertaining to launch systems [9]. This study builds upon Koelle's work and uses the data assembled to generate best fit curves which approximate development and first unit production costs.…”

“…These expendable and reusable airframe development CERs differ from Koelle [9]. When compared, the reusable and expendable airframe development CERs …”

“…Historical Expendable Data Points [9] Koelle's Expendable Best Fit Curve [9] Historical Resuable Data Points [9] Authors Reusable Best Fit Curve Historical Expendable Data Points [9] Koelle's Expendable Best Fit Curve [9] Historical Resuable Data Points [9] Authors Reusable Best Fit Curve…”

“…Engine development costs are dependent on the engine dry mass [9]. To calculate engine dry mass, vacuum thrust is determined using equation (7).…”

“…The vacuum thrust level is calculated by multiplying vacuum thrust correction factor, 1.55, by the gross mass of the launch vehicle and dividing by the number of engines for that stage [10]. (7) Koelle described that engine dry mass is roughly related to the vacuum thrust, equation (8) [9]. Engine dry mass is a best fit of existing data points as can be seen in …”