Improvement of Rockot Launch Vehicle Performance by an Upgraded Upper Stage Breeze
- Paper number
IAC-05-D2.3.02
- Author
Dr. Tuncer Miski, Eurockot Launch Services GmbH, Germany
- Coauthor
Dr. Tuncer Miski, Eurockot Launch Services GmbH, Germany
- Year
2005
- Abstract
Science fiction has long advocated big activities that might one day be conducted on the Moon, for example, mining deuterium 3, nanotechnology or other research considered too “dangerous” to do on Earth. But before those big plans can be realized, explorers must learn to think small. The Google Lunar X PRIZE advocates a more near-term “small” business model for going to the Moon. The primary goal of a Google Lunar X PRIZE team is to win the grand prize of 20 million, but there is a longer term goal for the competition. This presentation outlines potential outcomes of the Google Lunar X PRIZE. The winner of the Google Lunar X PRIZE will prove that they can land safely on the Moon, travel a useful distance (500 meters), and carry a payload ( in this case, a camera and other items). If a team is able to carry out these actions for a reasonable cost, we believe they will find clients to offer them additional missions. Government space agencies or universities are the most likely early customers, with science payloads that otherwise might be too costly or not high enough priority to send. Once sending small robotic craft to the Moon is a proven capability, there is potential for government and other industries to begin researching ways to utilize lunar resources. Some potential futures for lunar business: tourism; using lunar material to build and satellites; a way− station for long− distance exploration missions. Bringing down the cost of lunar exploration and opening up the lunar frontier to non− traditional companies will help the human race move permanently out into the solar system.
The Rockot KM launch vehicle equipped with the Breeze KM upper stage and commercial payload fairing is operational. It has completed five successful missions since its launch debut in 2000. To address the market for heavier and larger size spacecraft beyond the present capabilities, Eurockot has completed preliminary design of an upgraded higher performance vehicle, Rockot KS incorporating the Breeze KS upper stage and an enlarged fairing.
First and second stages of the Rockot KS are identical to previous Rockot versions. The upper stage Breeze retains an identical propulsion compartment and engines as previous versions. Mass saving is achieved by structural improvements to the Breeze upper stage and through the use of modern electronics in the equipment bay. Without any impact to the proven reliability of the Rockot KM launcher, the preliminary design includes
beginitemize item increase of the payload performance to close to 2 metric tonnes for a 620 km sun-synchronous orbit; enditemize beginitemize item a 10 enditemize
The paper describes the design changes in the upper stage, payload fairing, interstage ring and avionics. The effects of the changes of the proposed upgrade will also be shown and assessed. Furthermore the use of the Rockot launch vehicle for lunar or planetary missions will be discussed.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-D2.3.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.