European Space Transportation Approaches

G. Peters, A. Lemarchand. (1981), JBIS, 34, pp.65-71

Refcode: 1981.34.65

Abstract:

THE EUROPEAN APPROACH to space transportation in the 1980’s is based on two systems: Ariane and the US Space Transportation system (STS). Ariane is expected to become operational in 1981 after completion of four test flights and the Shuttle some what later. The development of Spacelab, Europe’s contribution to the STS, is also nearly completed and its first flight is scheduled for 1983. The development of Ariane and Spacelab have accounted for more than half of ESA’s total budget for several years (Fig. 1). Their utilisation and gradual upgrading will set the scene for Europe’s space transportation activities in the coming years.