matriochka space project D2S5

Paper number

IAC-16,D2,5,11,x33443

Author

Ms. Justine Tenil, France

Author

Mr. Bertrand Bocquet, ESTACA, France

Author

Mr. Pierre GABRIELLI, ESTACA, France

Coauthor

Mr. Baptiste BARRE, ESTACA, France

Coauthor

Mr. François ANDRUSYSZYN, ESTACA, France

Coauthor

Ms. Armelle Frenea-Schmidt, France

Coauthor

Mr. Corentin Miton, ESTACA, France

Coauthor

Mr. Pierre MORIN, ESTACA, France

Coauthor

Mr. Alexandre Saint-Alme, ESTACA, France

Coauthor

Mr. Bastien Burrallo, ESTACA, France

Coauthor

Mr. PEERIS ARNOULD, France

Coauthor

Mr. Valentin RAMAJO, ESTACA, France

Year

2016

Abstract

The heavy cost of a launch is motivating industrialists to develop reusable solutions for launchers' first stages or main engine. Matriochka is a bi-stage experimental rocket created by students from the ESTACA; a leading space engineering school (France). At the ESTACA Space Odyssey (ESO), our project is challenging because Matriochka has a reusable first stage and the second stage is considered as a payload which imposes flexibility and adaptability. Payload separation is reached by propulsion sub-system which is called the “Heat Jettisoning”.

	Re-usability implies adaptability. First of all, the “Heat Jettisoning” enables to have a mechanical interface only constrained by the free place in the launcher. This interface is almost independent of the payload geometry. Secondly, the launcher's ailerons are movable so if the payload changes the global centre of mass, the ailerons' position can be adjusted to correct stability. Eventually electronic sub-system is totally independent in order to avoid compatibility problems between payload’s and launcher’s electronic.

	Flight and ground safeguard is the top priority for operations and launch. We handled safety by favouring simplicity in every step. This is why “Heat Jettisoning” system was designed because it “only” pushes the second stage. Consequently it has just one system with a mastered technology which decreased the number of potential failures. Simplicity made us practising well-known technologies with high TRL as well as a step-by-step validation. This approach was enforced by dependability and heat studies on jettisoning system.

	Security rules are demanding. French experimental rockets are usually made for a single flight that is why Matriochka is a kind of pioneer. Moreover we need to protect the structure which is the most valuable part of the launcher. Therefore a parachute will slow down the launcher after the payload jettisoning. The know-how acquired from previous projects will enable us to safely recover our launcher. Besides, only a few parts are consumable items. They are designed to be low cost and easily manufactured. We aim to reach a full return to flight readiness within one month at a price lower as 10% of the global production cost.

	Mastering cost- and time-efficiency for re-launch are the objectives of Matriochka! Dependability is a day-to-day challenge while innovative choices have been made in order to adapt to as many as possible payloads.

Abstract document

IAC-16,D2,5,11,x33443.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-16,D2,5,11,x33443.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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