Prometheus: Precursor of new low-cost rocket Engine Family

Paper number

IAC-18,C4,1,2,x44345

Author

Ms. Pamela SIMONTACCHI, France, ArianeGroup SAS

Coauthor

Mr. Roland Blasi, Germany, ArianeGroup

Year

2018

Abstract

Prometheus is the Precursor of a new liquid rocket Engine family designed for low-cost, flexibility and reusability.

This Project, undertaken through cooperation between CNES and Ariane Group, entered in the ESA Future Launcher Preparatory Programme after the ESA Ministerial Conference in December 2016, with Germany, Italy, Belgium, Sweden and Switzerland joining France in the support of this Programme. 
The aim of Prometheus project is to design, produce, and test an advanced low-cost 100-tons class LOX/LCH4 reusable Engine. This Engine, designed for 1M€ recurrent cost, targets also flexibility in operation through variable thrust, multiple ignitions, compatibility to main and upper stage operation, and minimized ground operations before and after flight.
To reach those ambitious objectives, an extreme design-to-cost approach is mandatory, as well as innovative technologies and advanced industrial capabilities; among the major levers, there are the extensive recourse to Additive Manufacturing for the production of engine components, the introduction of a full electric command system and the on-board Rocket Engine Computer (REEC) for Engine management and monitoring.

In addition, Prometheus programme promotes the application of Agile and Frugal methodologies to get maximum profit in product innovation and value creation in operation.

This paper presents the global status of Prometheus development and gives a specific insight regarding additive manufacturing production of low-cost components.

Prometheus is part of the effort to prepare long terms Ariane6 evolution, called Ariane6Next.

Abstract document

IAC-18,C4,1,2,x44345.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-18,C4,1,2,x44345.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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