INVESTIGATION OF VL-X2 PERFORMANCE USING DLR-SART METHODOLOGY

Abstract

This document presents a performance investigation of the potential future Brazilian launch vehicle called VL-X2. This launcher is an evolution of the under-development vehicle VLM, with a more powerful first stage and a liquid propellant rocket engine in the upper stage. Several alternatives for the upper stage were investigated, comprising different fuel and cycle types, thrust level and propellant loading. DLR-SART tools and experience were used in the several steps of the work: aerodynamic and mass modeling and trajectory optimization. Results are compared with those obtained in studies performed in Brazil. Besides VL-X2, the performance of two other vehicle configurations was also investigated.