Promising Solutions for Fully Reusable Two-Stages-to-Orbit Configurations

Details Promising Solutions for Fully Reusable Two-Stages-to-Orbit Configurations Promising Solutions for Fully Reusable Two-Stages-to-Orbit Configurations

Jan 2002

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002iaf..confe.954d&link_type=abstract

IAF abstracts, 34th COSPAR Scientific Assembly, The Second World Space Congress, held 10-19 October, 2002 in Houston, TX, USA.,

Statistics

Computation

Scientific paper

Numerous studies have already identified that Fully Reusable Two-Stage-To-Orbit concepts (FRLV TSTO) could be one of the best solution for meeting economical and technical objectives of the RLV second generation. In this configuration, the first stage dubbed 'Booster' provides mainly the initial impulse prior to flying back close to the launch site. The second stage, dubbed 'Orbiter' goes into orbit, delivers the payload and the expendable orbital module prior to re-enter and land on the runway already used by the booster. In 2001, EADS LV has initiated, under CNES funding, system studies aiming at defining the most promising FRLV TSTO configurations in terms of technical and technological challenges and economical effectiveness. The first phase of this study was devoted to establish preliminary but consolidated assumptions and ground rules regarding ascent and re-entry aerodynamic database, mass budget including masses for the booster fly-back and propulsion characteristics. The second phase dealt with the systematic computation of the two stages main features (e.g. propellant and inert masses) for a given payload mass into LEO orbit, with respect to the major configuration parameter of a FRLV TSTO: the staging velocity (or Mach number). Various initial assumptions were considered such as the thrust-to-weight ratio, the booster and orbiter specific impulse as well as the ascent mode: parallel burn, with or without cross-feeding system, and serial burn. Starting from the conclusions issued from the performance assessment, the third phase was addressed to the search for outstanding configurations and associated propulsion systems. The study has been concluded with the pros and cons analyses of the most promising configurations and their preliminary consistent re-design. This paper intends to present :

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Promising Solutions for Fully Reusable Two-Stages-to-Orbit Configurations does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Promising Solutions for Fully Reusable Two-Stages-to-Orbit Configurations, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Promising Solutions for Fully Reusable Two-Stages-to-Orbit Configurations will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1333445