Passenger Capsule for the SpaceLiner

Abstract

Since 2005, the SpaceLiner concept has been under investigation by the DLR-SART group. The goal of this hypersonic space plane concept is to fly 50 passengers within 90 minutes from Australia to Western Europe. A dedicated capsule concept will provide regular conveniences to the passengers during the nominal mission and will protect the passengers during an emergency situation. This capsule needs to be able to fly autonomously and safely back to the ground. Within this paper, first an overview of previously used and currently in-use escape systems of manned spaceflight will be presented, e.g. escape towers and ejection seats. Afterwards, two ideas of the SpaceLiner capsule concept will be presented. Finally, both concepts will be compared regarding geometry, mass, aerodynamic coefficients, and the integration/separation process.