FUTURE LAUNCHERS PREPARATORY PROGRAMME (FLPP) - PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY MATURATION AND INTEGRATED DEMONSTRATORS STATUS AND PERSPECTIVES
- Paper number
IAC-08.D2.5.2
- Author
Mr. Guy Pilchen, European Space Agency (ESA), France
- Year
2008
- Abstract
The ESA Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) has the objective to achieve a significant step forward in maturation and validation of critical technologies so as to prepare for the Next Generation of Launchers (NGL) for the long term, while contributing to the technical elements needed for short term decisions. The general objective of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme is to prepare the technical and programmatic elements for making an informed decision on the best launch system to respond to the future institutional needs, while maintaining competitiveness on the commercial market. The major lines of activity are: (i) Launch System Concepts (ii) Liquid Propulsion for first and upper stages (iii) Technologies for cryogenic upper stages (iv) Materials & Structures and (v) The Integrated Re-entry Demonstrator IXV The approach followed within the FLPP Programme is based on the following guidelines: (i) Preparation for the long term, allowing for technology spin-offs for shorter term (ii) Implementation of a system-driven approach where the technology requirements and technology verification needs are derived from the launcher system requirements and system design choices and for which a Technology Development and Validation Plan is a pivot element between system and technology activities. (iii) Maturation of technologies giving a strong focus on integrated demonstrators considered as the most efficient way to increase the technology readiness level and address at the same time system-level issues. The 2003 ESA ministerial Council adopted the Period 1 of FLPP in which activities were focussed on system studies and technology developments for Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLV). Step-1 of the second Period of FLPP was adopted by the ESA Council meeting at ministerial level in Berlin in 2005, with the objectives to continue the preparation for the NGL for the long term, and to contribute to the preparation of short/medium term decisions, through activities on expendable launch systems. The paper will present the structure of the programme showing the link between system, technologies and integrated demonstrators. An overall status of the activities will be presented giving emphasis on the identification of the selected integrated demonstrators and the achievements on system concepts, technology maturation and demonstrator developments. The perspectives of the FLPP will be presented showing how FLPP contributes for preparing sound decisions for future new launchers developments.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.D2.5.2.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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