Pre-Design of a Modular Launch System with Single Launch Capacity (NGL)

Abstract

A modular and flexible launch system in the payload range between 3 tons and 8 tons into GTO is investigated. The core stage consists of two liquid stages and modularity is reached by adding a certain number of solid propellant boosters to the core stage to achieve higher payloads. The launch vehicle shall be able to be launched without boosters for a given performance and in order to reach the lower range propellant de-loading of one stage is foreseen. The liquid upper stage is powered by the Vinci expander cycle engine with 180 kN thrust. The present study includes a preliminary structural analysis, an analysis of the tank and pressurization system, pre-definition of the first stage gas-generator cycle rocket engine, adaptation of the solid strap-on booster’s thrust profile, aerodynamic drag estimation, a dry mass estimation of all stages, and ascent trajectory optimizations.