A Discrete-Event Simulation Model for Evaluating Air Force Reusable Military Launch Vhicle Post-Landing Operations

The United States military, and in particular the Air Force, has long recognized the requirement for a responsive spacelift capability as an enabler to gaining and maintaining space superiority. In order to fulfill this requirement, the Air Force as a portion of its Operationally Responsive Space initiative is considering the design and development of a reusable military launch vehicle (RMLV) to provide more responsive spacelift than the current spacelift systems provide. The design of both the RMLV and the supporting ground processes will determine whether the Air Force can successfully achieve its performance goals for the RMLV.