Ariane 5-Hermes - A new space transportation system for Europe

Design features and missions of the Ariane 5 launch vehicle and the Hermes space plane are described. Ariane 5 will be able to lift 15 tons to LEO and two 2.5 ton payloads to GEO. Other LEO missions may include scientific or space processing experiments, orbiting platform tending, and crew relief at the Space Station. The Ariane 5 will have two composite casing solid rocket boosters delivering 450 tons thrust and a main HM 60 LOX engine providing over 100 tons thrust. Several payload shroud designs are being developed for diverse missions. Hermes is designed to be a modular part of an integral launch system that can lift either manned or unmanned payloads into space. The 11 m wingspan Hermes will carry 3500-4500 kg, 35 cu m of cargo and from 2-6 human passangers. The maximum orbital altitude will be 400 km with a flight duration of 1-3 weeks, depending on the crew size. Reentry will be hypersonic glide to a runway landing.