Full-scale simulations of 'In-Air Capturing' return mode for winged reusable launch vehicles

Abstract

The recent success of reusable launchers has become a driving force for sustainable launch technologies. An innovative approach proposed by DLR, involves winged rocket stages captured mid air and towed back to the launch site by an aircraft. This recovery concept known as 'In-Air Capturing (IAC)', shows potential for substantial cost reduction, when compared to existing return modes. In the light of the Horizon 2020 project FALCon, full-scale simulations and sub-scale flight testing were carried out for further development of the technology. The paper summarizes the full-scale studies performed within FALCon. The full-scale test cases are introduced and the simulation framework for analysis of trajectories is presented. Then, the IAC maneuver is analyzed through trajectory simulations. Major external disturbances coming from the wake of the aircraft and flexibility of the rope connecting the rocket stage to the aircraft (after capture) are also addressed.