Cargo and crew transportation to LEO and beyond

Paper number

IAC-22,D2,4,5,x69144

Author

Mrs. Marie-Christine Bernelin, France, Dassault Aviation

Coauthor

Mr. Marc Vales, France, Dassault Aviation

Coauthor

Mrs. Elise Ballée, Switzerland, RUAG Space

Coauthor

Mr. Bruno Rodrigues, Switzerland, RUAG Space

Coauthor

Mr. Marc Dubois, Belgium, S.A.B.C.A

Coauthor

Mr. Tillo Vanthuyne, Belgium, S.A.B.C.A

Coauthor

Mr. DANIELE FRANCESCONI, Italy, Thales Alenia Space Italia (TAS-I)

Coauthor

Mr. Roberto Provera, Italy, Thales Alenia Space Italia

Year

2022

Abstract

A European space transportation system is proposed by a consortium of private companies, the main ones being Dassault Aviation, RUAG Space, SABCA and Thales Alenia Space Italia. It will enable cargo transportation to and from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a first step, then for humans in a second step. An incremental evolution to Geostationary Eath Orbit (GEO) and cis-lunar orbits is also proposed. The scenario is based on:
\begin{itemize}\item Emergence of a space ecosystem in LEO and then beyond with commercial applications,\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item A part of the foreseen activities requires human presence,\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item A European will to have autonomous crew access to space,\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Safe omni-role space planes, offering flexibility and suitable for unmanned and manned flights.\end{itemize}
The proposed scenario is based on development of a four-vehicle family, which originates from Space Rider. Architecture and most equipment are common to all vehicles.
Increments are linked to operational needs for a European autonomous exploration programme. The first goal is LEO and finally GEO and cis-lunar orbit: 
\begin{enumerate}\item Development of a 7-10 ton class vehicle, launched on Ariane 62 or being co-passenger on Ariane 64 (in complement to Space Rider, launched by Vega C): first flight in 2026,
\item Transition to a 20-ton vehicle, requiring full Ariane 64 capacity: first flight in 2028,
\item Transition to a vehicle enabling manned flight in LEO (6-people crew), shape, dimensions and weight being identical to the previous vehicle: first flight with Ariane 64 in 2030,
\item Transition to a 50-ton class vehicle designed for manned cis-lunar flights. It could be ready to fly from 2034, the timing of the maiden will also depend on availability of a super-heavy launcher. \end{enumerate}

Abstract document

IAC-22,D2,4,5,x69144.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

(absent)