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Orbital Space Plane (OSP)
The Orbital Space Plane was one of three parts making up NASA's Integrated Space Transportation Plan (ISTP). At the time, the ISTP consisted of three major programs: Space Shuttle, Orbital Space Plane, and Next Generation Launch Technology. The plan makes investments to extend Shuttle's operational life for continued safe operations. The Orbital Space Plane is designed to provide a crew transfer capability, as early as possible, to ensure access to and from the International Space Station while the Next Generation Launch Technology Program funds developments in areas such as propulsion, structures, and operations for the next generation Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV).
The OSP is a component of the new ISTP focused on the development of a crew transport vehicle. The concept of an Orbital Space Plane reflects NASA's need to ferry space station crewmembers and to ensure that a capability exists to get the crew home if there's an emergency. The concept was to be the immediate objective of SLI's (Space Launch Initiative) new research efforts.
My participation in the OSP/SLI program was a part of the Northrop Grumman / Orbital Science team, working in the area of initial concept feasibility assesment and requirements development. The Orbital Space Plane program was to support Space Station requirements for crew rescue, crew transport and contingency cargo such as supplies, food and other needed equipment. The Space Plane, was to enable a larger permanent crew to occupy the orbiting research facility, increasing science and research capabilities in space. The SLI/OSP program was ended when the new National Vision for Space Exploration was announced in 2004, with a focus on the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) to be used for a new series of Moon exploration missions.
ralph.open-aerospace.org