(1) Launch Systems Environmental considerations for the launch systems range from effects on the ground through the exosphere. These effects are mostly the results of the products of combustion of the propellant, and to some degree may be controlled. The following discussion assumes a nominal equilibrium condition of 4700 HLLV launches per year, using an RP-1 fuel with liquid 0? for the booster. a. Ground and Tropospheric Effects Since ground and troposphere effects are localized, they will play a part in the selection of the launch site. Some of these effects will require engineering solutions while others are basic to the concept. 1. Thermal Each HLLV will burn energy at the rate of 2.3 X 10 G watts; while this lasts for only 168 seconds, it represents a power level greater than all the power stations in the U.S. However, averaged over a year at the nominal launch rate, the equivalent of 25 G watts of power would be continuously released in the troposphere. Heat sources of this magnitude are capable of causing changes in the local weather patterns (reference 1). These changes, while probably not severe, should be considered in site selection. 2. Noise The amount of noise generated will have an effect on life in the local area, as well as on building structures near the launch site. 3. Run-off of unburnt propellant Even a small fraction of the HLLV fuel could cause significant local ecological damage if the fuel were not properly contained. This containment should include the unburnt propellant during lift-off. 4. Ground Cloud Although the ground cloud will probably not contain any toxic compounds, it may contain a considerable amount of particulates swept up from the ground by the exhaust plume. b. Stratospheric Effects-Ozone Chemistry Potential launch environmental effects in the stratosphere are the consequence of compounds being emitted which may act as catalysts to the destruction of ozone. Three "families" of catalysts are known to
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