System Studies for reusable SSTO Space Transportation Systems

Abstract

In the scope of this Master Thesis, a complete systems analysis of a reference single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) space transportation system has been performed in the Space Launcher System Analysis department, at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The Skylon concept has been selected as the reference vehicle, which follows the ESA requirements of a post-Ariane 5 launch vehicle. Initially, a literature study and compilation has been performed. Preliminary system analysis for the Skylon vehicle has been performed, including mass estimation, aerodynamic and aero-thermodynamic modelling, trajectory simulation, and thermal protection system as well as structural design and propulsion considerations with existing tools. Alternative propulsion systems have been analysed using a turbo-ramjet combination and trajectory trade-offs have been considered under this new power plant performance. A structural analysis program has been developed to compute the structural performance of the non-monocoque fuselage arrangement, which allowed the simulation of a preliminary structural optimization by using the Ansys commercial software and parametric structural trade-offs.