Aerodynamic Design of an Ariane 5 Liquid Fly-Back Booster

Abstract

Within the German future space launcher technology research program ASTRA two reusable first stage designs are under investigation. The one dedicated for near term application with an existing expendable core stage is called a winged liquid fly-back booster (LFBB). The main goal of the present study is the refinement of an existing LFBB design. The regarded partially reusable space transportation system consists of two booster stages, which are attached to the expendable Ariane 5 core stage at an upgraded future technology level. The area of interest discussed here is the descent after the staging procedure which dominates the aerodynamic design of the LFBB. The aerodynamic parameter studies pointed out that an LFBB may not be trimmed or stabilised without the introduction of canards as control surface. By introduction of canards a more robust configuration is obtained.