Comparison of Return Options for Reusable First Stages

Kurzfassung

DLR’s Space Launcher Systems Analysis division analyzes generic Reusable Launch Vehicles for missions to Geostationary Transfer Orbit. The launcher configurations consist of a reusable first stage and two expendable upper stages. For the reusable first stage different separation Mach numbers are considered. The return options considered are stage fly-back and stage in-air capturing. Based on mass estimation, analysis of ascent and descent aerodynamics as well as ascent and reentry trajectory optimization first results for the return options stage fly-back and in-air capturing are presented.