A method for evaluation of space launchers

This report presents an operations research method to evaluate space launch vehicles. For this reason the investigated launchers will be described on an equal level of elements with characterizing attributes. These elements are combined on the basis of a mission scenario leading to launch scenarios. These contain several different launchers that operate within the same period of time. The evaluation is performed by comparing the alternative launch scenarios. The characterizing attributes of the launchers included within each launch scenario are examined and the resulting attributes of the individual launch scenarios are combined by weighing factors. As the final result the benefit of each launch scenario relative to the others is obtained. The method is verified by means of a simple launch scenario model. This model includes an expendable rocket launcher (ARIANE X) and a horizontally launched winged reusable system (SANGER/HORUS). The criteria of evaluation are costs and environmental impact