A Systematic Analysis of First Stage Recovery Options for Two Small-Sat Launch Vehicles (Microlaunchers)

Abstract

The space industry has seen a rapid international development of Small-Sat Launch Vehicles (Microlaunchers) as a result of the demand for flexible and individual payload transportation. These microlauncher companies have started to investigate recovery methods with RocketLab at the forefront of progress. However, the academic research has yet missed out to compare recovery options, individually for microlaunchers. Therefore, this thesis aims to systematically analyze different recovery options for this rocket class. In order to achieve this goal, two representative microlaunchers (approx. 350 kg & 1000 kg to Low Earth Orbit) are modelled. Using these models, four first stage recovery options are compared. These four return options include vertical landing, horizontal landing, parachute and IAD. Those recovery methods are compared with respect to their impact on system design, performance, re-entry loads and operational demands and to assess their level of applicability to microlaunchers.