The future of European Launchers over the next decade

Paper number

IAC-06-D2.2.02

Author

Mr. Christophe Chavagnac, EADS Astrium, France

Coauthor

Mrs. Catherine Poincheval, EADS Astrium, France

Coauthor

Mr. David Iranzo-Greus, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), France

Coauthor

Mr. Joerg Krueger, EADS Astrium GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Laurent Bouaziz, Italy

Year

2006

Abstract

When looking back to the last few years, the Ariane 5 Launch System has performed a successful series of missions ranging from the Rosetta scientific probe exploring deep space to the most powerful mission ever performed by Europe : putting into a GTO orbit more than 8 metric tons with the A5ECA version of the launcher. With such a background, European Space Transportation Industry has to prepare itself to offer an enhanced service to the Space market. As stated at the ESA Council last December, Industry has to be ready for a key decision around 2008 that will shape the Launcher sector for the following decade. At that time the European Launcher Family will have become a reality : SOYUZ in Kourou will have started operations, the development of the VEGA Small Launcher will be completed and the Ariane 5 System will be consolidated as well. Concentrating on the Space Market the trends recorded today will be reassessed : recovery of the market and need for new services such as direct injection in GEO. So at that time basically three options will arise depending on the Market assessment and the related European Launchers position :

• -first option : the European Launchers family fits the market for the next decade so there is no need for short term development and Industry will enter a sustainable risks mitigation plan for preparing the NGL that would offer a reliable service with lower Recurring costs than current Systems ;

• -second option : the competition is such that the European Launcher family market share is quite lower than today and the related overall economy is at risk. For ensuring autonomy of access to Space, this would require to bring to the market a European made launcher offering a reduced GTO performance with the relevant flexibility level as soon as possible. Applying that last constraint means to develop a Launcher relying on existing propulsion building blocks : the Ariane 5 EAP strap-on boosters, the VEGA first stage, the Vulcain engine and so on.

• -third option : the Ariane 5 Launch System is as successful as today and the signal sent by the Market requires the development of a more powerful version of Ariane 5 featuring an Advanced Upper Stage with a Vinci engine.

So this paper will address the overall Launchers roadmap detailing the different options possible from European Industry perspective.

Abstract document

IAC-06-D2.2.02.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-D2.2.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.