FLPP: Cryogenic Upper Stage Technologies Programmatic and Technical Overview
- Paper number
IAC-08.D2.5.4
- Author
Dr. Oliver Kunz, NGL Prime SpA, Italy
- Coauthor
Mr. Thomas Renk, EADS Astrium GmbH, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Jens Kauffmann, European Space Agency (ESA), France
- Year
2008
- Abstract
The European Space Agency ESA has initiated the Cryogenic Upper Stage Technologies project CUST as part of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme FLPP with the objective to mature critical and enabling technologies for future re-ignitable cryogenic upper stages. In this context mid term building block applications, long term next generation launcher configurations as well as evolutions of Ariane and Vega are taken into consideration. Starting in January 2006, an ESA study (CTech) was awarded to Astrium GmbH, concerning identification of technologies for the next re-ignitable cryogenic upper stage. The work was completed in 2007 and is the starting point of the CUST project contracted to NGL Prime S.p.A. as the prime and Astrium GmbH as main subcontractor. The objective of CUST is the maturation of selected key enabling technologies for future re-ignitable cryogenic upper stages up to an appropriate technology readiness level. The technology readiness should be demonstrated prior to implementation into stage development programmes, in order to mitigate development cost and the later programme to risk and cost. In a first phase of CUST key technologies are identified and selected and technology development and verification plans (TDVPs) for enabling technologies are established by industrial technology providers. In a second phase selected technologies are planned to be maturated to a level appropriate for the development start of new cryogenic upper stage. In addition, it is intended to identify the possible need of follow-up activities and/or in-flight demonstration in a third phase which could turn out to be necessary for technical, programmatic or financial reasons. The concerned technologies cover a wide range of disciplines and are related to - among others- propellant management, thermal insulation, pressure control, two phase flow, simulation, etc. In the paper the programmatic context and the actual status of the project as well as constraining boundary conditions are given. The process of identification of critical technologies is described and subsequent results are presented. An overview of preliminarily selected technologies and the results of available TDVP elaboration activities are given as far as available and the technical requirements for each of the technologies are summarized. It is planned to furthermore show the link and interfaces to other FLPP project lines (Launcher System investigations, Materials& Structures) that are under the responsibility of NGL Prime S.p.A. as they are currently running or planned to be started in the near future.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.D2.5.4.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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