A Comparison of Users' and Providers' Perceptions of Critical Spacelift Vehicle Characteristics and Capabilities

Author

Dawson S. Oslund
Mark M. Shafer

Date of Award

9-1993

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Abstract

This study compares spacelift vehicle users' and providers' perceptions of critical spacelift vehicle characteristics and capabilities. The researchers conducted a mail survey of military, commercial, and civil spacelift vehicle users and providers to determine a criticality rating for each of the 22 characteristics and capabilities identified through a literature review. Primary results of the study indicate: (1) the three most critical characteristics and capabilities are reliability, launch cost, and resilience; (2) the three least critical characteristics and capabilities are man-rateable, reusability, and gross lift-off weight; (3) only launch cost has a significantly different mean 'criticality rating among spacelift vehicle users and providers; and (4) 13 of the 22 characteristics and capabilities have significantly different mean criticality ratings between military and commercial respondents. The researchers conclude that differences between users' and providers' perceptions are inconsequential, but further study of military and commercial Perceptions js necessary.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GLM-LAR-93S-32

DTIC Accession Number

ADA273907

Comments

Presented to the Faculty of the School of Logistics and Acquisitions Management of the Air Force Institute of Technology

The authors' Vita pages are omitted.

Recommended Citation

Oslund, Dawson S. and Shafer, Mark M., "A Comparison of Users' and Providers' Perceptions of Critical Spacelift Vehicle Characteristics and Capabilities" (1993). Theses and Dissertations. 7302.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/7302