Critical Analyses Ariane 6 Incremental and Modular PHH

Abstract

DLR-SART has performed, during the summer 2014, a critical analysis of several launcher configurations proposed by Airbus Defence and Space (Airbus D&S) and Safran as an alternative to the Ariane 6 PPH configuration, proposed at this time. The first family of concepts, proposed by Airbus D&S; the “Ariane 6 Incremental and Modular” (henceforth in this report to be named “Ariane 6 I&M.1”) configuration, is based on a low-cost “building block” approach. The proposed vehicle consists of a new H120 cryogenic main stage derived from the EPC of the Ariane 5 ECA utilising a single Vulcain II engine; two VEGA motors-derived strap-on boosters; and the Ariane 5 ME Vinci ESC-B upper stage. Various booster loadings are proposed by Airbus D&S; one low-performance option using a booster propellant loading of 49 tonnes (B40/P49) and a second option using a booster propellant loading of 105 tonnes (P105), corresponding to a possible upgrade of the first stage of the Vega launcher. Very high performance configurations using 2 P49 and 2 P105 were also proposed. The second family of configurations proposed jointly by Airbus D&S and Safran was generated in through the evolution of the “Ariane 6 Incremental and Modular” studies. The “Ariane 6 I&M.2” uses a larger, Vulcain II-powered cryogenic main stage of 145 tonnes. The stage is coupled to two P150 boosters, derived from the P145 motors studied for the Ariane 6 PPH. The size of the core stage was chosen by Airbus D&S to provide the targeted payload performance for two upper stage options; the Ariane 5 ME ESC-B upper stage for high-performance GTO missions; and the Ariane 5 EPS upper stage for lower-performance institutional GTO and SSO missions.