This practical book gives the young professional all the information needed to know how to get started in the space business. It takes the reader step by step through processes for systems engineering and acquisition, design and development, cost analysis, and programme planning and analysis. The reader will find the systems engineering and design process that applies to all space transportation systems, then the overall system architecture considerations that also apply to all space transportation systems. There is also detailed coverage of space launch vehicles by class, including the current space shuttle, other manned reusable systems, expendable systems, and future systems. A companion CD-ROM contains oversize figures and the Operations Simulation and Analysis Modelling Systems software.