Re-ignitable EPS Upper Stage Providing full Versatility for ARIANE 5
- Paper number
IAC-08.D2.3.3
- Author
Mr. Markus Jaeger, Astrium Space Transportation, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Gerard Lassourd, Astrium Space Transportation, France
- Year
2008
- Abstract
In October 2007, a short re-ignition demonstration of EPS (Etage à Propergols Stockables) upper stage AESTUS engine was performed at the end of ARIANE 5 launcher commercial mission. In December 2008, the EPS stage was conditioned such after deployment of ARIANE 5 P/Ls (Payloads) that full mastering of upper stage preparation for in-flight re-ignition was once again shown. In March 2008, the first-ever ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle), dubbed Jules Verne, was launched with the ARIANE 5 launcher into LEO (Low Earth Orbit) in order to serve the ISS (International Space Station) requiring two re-ignitions boosts of the ARIANE 5 upper stage EPS not only to inject the upper composite into a circularized LEO prior to separation of the ATV S/C (Space Craft) but also to de-orbit to Earth the remaining upper composite after the placing of the ATV S/C into LEO. This paper presents a general overview of the specific re-ignition qualification program performed for the EPS upper stage and the AESTUS engine in order to cover changed flight operational domains at the moment of engine re-ignition boosts. Further results from post flight analysis are presented in detail and compared with foot print of standard EPS upper stage ignitions in frame of ARIANE 5 missions. At the end an outlook is given on possible new applications for ARIANE 5 launcher based on the versatility of its upper stage EPS.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.D2.3.3.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.