Aldebaran: A "System" Demonstrator Project for new Generations of Space Transportation

Abstract

Aldebaran is the name chosen for a "System" demonstrator project which paves the way for one or more next-generation launch vehicle targets and is also specified to be able to realize operational launches. The project takes its name from the brightest star in the Taurus constellation. The proposed demonstrator comes at a time when it is planned to operate existing European launch vehicles (ARIANE 5, Soyuz, VEGA) until around 2025, with no new generation launcher under development before 2015. The project is aiming at developing a flight demonstrator by focusing certain activities involved in the preparation of future launch vehicles. The first launch shall take place around 2014. It would represent an intermediate step prior to the development of a new-generation launch vehicle. The demonstrator shall also be capable of carrying out launch missions for micro- satellites to serve a market niche not covered by existing European launch vehicles. It will be developed in the frame of international co operations. Several possible Aldebaran concepts are under analyses. The paper will present the main Functional Performance Specifications of Aldebaran. Some illustrations of possible concepts will be shown.