Advanced Launcher Options under Constraints of Synergy, Commonality and Affordability

Abstract

This paper addresses technical options to increase synergies between European launchers of different size. This approach should help to further improve cost competiveness though keeping the capability of serving a broad range of missions. Various combinations of stage, engine, and motor hardware exist which can be evolved or modernized to form a small to medium-size launcher. The potential future launcher options usually are an arrangement of solid and cryogenic propellant stages but with different selection for the main stages and usually a cryogenic liquid propellant upper stage with VINCI engine. DLR’s launcher analysis is focusing its research on a few promising development lines. The paper provides an overview on recent results of these activities and presents the promises and constraints of all investigated launcher configurations. Their growth potential is assessed and relative NRC and RC are presented.