The winged second stage concept for a cost-effective launch and return vehicle

Supplementary to other studies, MBB is performing a system study covering expanded reentry vehicles with main propulsion systems. Assuming available technology and components, one of the study results is a feasible and appropriate space transporter concept that leads to an active upper stage. As interim step in development MBB proposes the realization of a research test vehicle in small scale for hypersonic reentry measurements. This test vehicle should be either launched by AR.4 or by the Space Shuttle.