Next Generation Launcher Studies: Technical Challenge Of Long-march Launch Vehicles
- Paper number
IAC-07-D2.4.02
- Author
Mrs. Linli Guo, China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, China
- Coauthor
Mr. Hu Defeng, China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, China
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Chinese first generation space transportation systems, Long-march launch vehicles family will be up to the 100th flight. The second generation space transportation systems, the new LOX/Kerosene launch vehicles, had been approved by China government and being developed by CALT , and now plan to make its maiden flight in 2013. In order to meet the future needs of exploring deep space and manned space flight, what will be the next generation space transportation systems? The concepts of the next generation space transportation systems are proposed in this article. In future the new launchers must meet multi-mission requirements , comprising launch into orbit, in-orbit transportation and re-entry from orbit, and will be more safe, reliable, high efficient, non-contaminative and low cost. So first of all we discuss many questions such as how to improve the payload mass ratio, reduce the launch cost, decrease launch preparation time, minimize the launcher debris, realize on-call and mobile launching. Furthermore, the key technologies and the technology maturity degree will be analyzed. Finally this paper presents the various expendable and reusable launcher concepts such as the heavy-lift launcher,the orbit transfer stage, the RLV etc and concludes the development goals of the next generation space transportation systems of China.
- Abstract document