Investigations of Future Expendable Launcher Options

Abstract

The paper summarizes recent system study results on future European expendable launcher options investigated by DLR-SART. In the first part two variants of storable propellant upper segments are presented which could be used as a future evolvement of the small Vega launcher. The lower composite consisting of upgraded P100 and Z40 motors is assumed to be derived from Vega. An advanced small TSTO rocket with a payload capability in the range of 1500 kg in higher energy orbits and up to 3000 kg supported by additional strap-on boosters is further under study. The first stage consists of a high pressure solid motor with a fiber casing while the upper stage is using cryogenic propellants. Synergies with other ongoing European development programs are to be exploited. The so called NGL should serve a broad payload class range from 3 to 8 tons in GTO reference orbit by a flexible arrangement of stages and strap-on boosters. The recent SART work focused on two and three-stage vehicles with cryogenic and solid propellants. The paper presents the promises and constraints of all investigated future launcher configurations.