RESOLVE: Reference Mission Scenarios for Re-usable Launcher Concepts

Abstract

Re-usability concept for Launch Vehicles is under investigation at different companies around the different Space Agencies since a re-usable Space Transportation Vehicle is the solution to provide interesting cost savings to achieve low-cost and reliable access to space. The term re-usable space transportation refers to several levels of reuse ranging from the entire vehicle to only parts of it. Reusability of first stages has become a standard in launch vehicle technology considering the increasing success of the key players especially from USA (Space-X with the returning of the first stage with a high-level accuracy back to Earth) but also recently from China. Europe should not obviate the challenge and identify new solutions to adequate European launchers to these new needs. For each of the technologies available (propulsion including air/breathing, aerothermodynamics and structures), this activity will identify and prototype the key equipment and components which would enable a step forward in re-usability. The intention of this project is to limit the study to re-usable first stage that will land horizontally. Different technologies will be investigated and compared in terms of subsystem impact and specifically in terms of economic impact with respect to expendable missions considering the additional costs associated to the development, manufacturing and operations.