Preliminary Multidisciplinary Design Studies on an Upgraded 100 Passenger SpaceLiner Derivative

Abstract

The visionary ultrafast passenger transportation concept SpaceLiner has been proposed by the Space Launcher System Analysis Department of the German Aerospace Center DLR. Based on rocket propulsion the baseline configuration of the two stage RLV should be capable of carrying about 50 passengers along the ambitious westbound route from Australia to Europe within 90 minutes. Based on the most recent and mature SpaceLiner configuration and its mission data, an upgraded 100 passenger derivative is explored since an increase of efficiency is expected and potential promising alternative travel routes and the correspondent system requirements are investigated. Preliminary estimation engineering tools are utilized within the initial, iterative design process, in order to identify potential configurations. The configuration approach most consistent with the predefined system and mission requirements is presented.