Designing future launchers for operational targets
Abstract
Following a previously published analysis of the operational requirements that should apply to new generations of launchers, this paper examines how these requirements would impact on a future European rocket-powered launcher. The objectives for payload size (mass, volume and dimensions), performance split between the two stages, selection of launch and landing sites, propulsion concepts and parameters are derived from the requirements, and a preliminary estimate of vehicle size is obtained. Some of the requirements have been further quantified, broken down into lower level objectives, and the main features of the safety/reliability policy are outlined.
- Publication:
-
Malaga International Astronautical Federation Congress
- Pub Date:
- October 1989
- Bibcode:
- 1989mala.iafcU....L
- Keywords:
-
- Functional Design Specifications;
- Launch Vehicles;
- Multistage Rocket Vehicles;
- Spacecraft Design;
- Aerospace Safety;
- Hermes Manned Spaceplane;
- Mission Planning;
- Spacecraft Performance;
- Spacecraft Reliability;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles