Overview of Large Solid Rocket Motor Options for Future European Launcher
- Paper number
IAC-10,C4,2,7,x6390
- Author
Mr. Didier Boury, Snecma Propulsion Solide, France
- Year
2010
- Abstract
The European Launcher Family of the coming decade is based on Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega systems covering a wide range of missions and performances. Nevertheless considering long development period and technology maturation phases regarding rocket propulsion activities, numerous studies have been performed during past years to define new launchers possibilities. Chemically propelled 'access to space' requires a very large thrust level during the take-off phase lasting some minutes. Solid Rocket Motor overall behavior principle is well suited to such a propulsive mission requirement. Moreover the SRM propulsive performances are obtained with a high level of reliability and competitive costs when compared to other expendable systems. This paper presents an overview of possible launcher concepts based on solid propulsion summarizing studies performed since 2003 with the support of CNES (French Space Agency) by Snecma Propulsion Solide and SNPE Matériaux Energétiques. Three possible options for the lower stages are examined for a launcher devoted to GTO mission ranging from 4 to 7 tons, using a cryogenic propellant solution for the upper stage. The first option is a two stage design with a very large solid first stage. This configuration should limit the recurring cost due to the limited number of stages. Nevertheless the stages will need to present high performances in order for the launcher to reach the required payload mass. The second option is based on a modular approach using a 'basic' medium solid rocket motor for the lower stages. The motor size is defined to minimize the lower stages price. An ignition and jettisoning sequence is identified to optimize the launcher performance and minimize the number of motors. The third option is a classical three stage design with a large solid first stage and a medium solid second stage. Existing motors like A5-MPS and Vega P80 could be re-used to limit development cost following a Building Blocks approach. Strap-on motors can be added to extend the payload range. For each options, the general motor design and propulsive performances to achieve payload target are presented. When relevant, the impacts on the current industrial tool were assessed to precise what would be the necessary investments associated to this new productions. Some key solid propulsion technologies were also identified to optimize the cost of the solid propulsion stage. All these results will widely contribute to continuing studies regarding the Future European Launcher family of the 2020 decade.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-10,C4,2,7,x6390.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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