Variable Element Launcher

The major reasons the Nation has not developed reusable space access system are manifold. The first is the development cost and risk. Prior attempts to develop a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) mostly focused on a Single Stage to Orbit (SSTO) approach (ie NASP, X-33). An SSTO RLV has the highest cost and risk and all have failed to develop usable vehicles. Another difficulty is in the return on the investment. All previous RLV concepts were of limited capability in payload mass and volume. This reduces the potential income stream from the developed Space Access system. Since the failure of these programs, technologies, have converged to offer a low risk Space Access System with a wide range of payload options from its fleet. The Variable Element Launcher (VEL) designs come in fully reusable and partially reusable configurations and offer a wide range of payloads, from 10KLm to 100 KLm.