For over thirty years, large launch vehicles such as Saturn, Delta, Atlas, and Titan have successfully provided the world with access to space. The emphasis of each of those programs was focused on maximizing launch vehicle performance. More recently, in the Space Shuttle program, this traditional emphasis was widened to include the achievement of cost and schedule goals. Future launch vehicle programs, such as the National Launch System (NLS) and the Single Stage to Orbit (SSTO); will need to satisfy even more stringent requirements. Low life cycle costs, high launch rates, demanding surge capacities, short turnaround times, and continuous program evolution and growth considerations will shape the next generation space launch vehicle programs. More than ever, efficient ground operations will play an important role in meeting the requirements of these new programs.
