Economic Benefits Of Reusable Launch Vehicles For Space Debris Removal

An analysis of cost savings that could be realized on active debris removal (ADR) missions through the use of reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) has been performed. Launch vehicle price estimates were established for three levels of RLV development, based on varying levels of technological development and market competition. An expendable launch vehicle (ELV) price estimate was also established as a point of comparison. These price estimates were used to form two separate debris removal mission cost estimates, based on previously proposed debris removal mission concepts. The results of this analysis indicate that RLVs could reduce launch prices to levels between 19.6% and 92.8% cheaper than ELVs, depending on the level of RLV maturity. It was also determined that a RLV could be used to realize total ADR mission cost savings of between 2.8% (for a partially RLV in an uncompetitive market) and 21.7% (for a fully RLV in a competitive market).