spacetoday.net: SLI reaches first milestone review

Posted: Wed, May 1, 2002, 7:28 PM ET (2328 GMT)
Boeing SLI concept

NASA officials reported Tuesday on the results of the first milestone review of the agency's Space Launch Initiative (SLI) program, an effort to develop a second-generation reusable launch vehicle. The review narrowed down technology work that had been underway for a year to 15 different vehicle architectures by three industry teams: Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman/Orbital Sciences. The designs feature a mix of two-stage-to-orbit designs that use hydrogen, kerosene, or both as fuels. Both horizontal and vertical launch systems are under consideration. Another review is planned in November when the 15 remaining designs will be narrowed down to two or three finalists.