Technology for the european Next Generation Launcher: integrated on-ground and in-flight development approach

Paper number

IAC-06-D2.6.03

Author

Mr. Dario Boggiatto, NGL Prime SpA, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Rodrigo da Costa, NGL Prime SpA, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Thomas Franck, EADS Astrium GmbH, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Giorgio Tumino, European Space Agency/Headquarters, France

Year

2006

Abstract

ESA's Future Launcher Preparatory Programme (FLPP) includes system activities and technology developments, especially on materials and structures and on propulsion. The overall approach is system-driven, i.e. FLPP aims at defining reference launcher concepts from which technology development needs are derived, and a corresponding demonstration logic and scenario - including in-flight experimentation vehicles.
This paper will address the activities in the frame of the technology identification and verification process, that concluded with the choice of a preferred demonstrator concept. The activities consisted of:
- the identification of the critical technologies and of their present and target readiness levels
- the establishment of their associated verification needs
- the establishment of a verification approach for each need (what to be tested and how, whether on-ground or in-flight)
- the identification of possible in-flight demonstrator candidates for re-entry and re-use technologies
- the trade-offs among demonstrator candidates based on their experimentation output potential, and optimization of the synergies with on-ground testing
- the selection of preferred in-flight demonstrator concepts.
The paper will show the above process, together with details and intermediate results of the work leading to the final choice.
Additionally it will give a summary and an outlook into the next expected steps.

Abstract document

IAC-06-D2.6.03.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-D2.6.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.