Benefits from incorporation of combined cycle propulsion

The X-33 program was initiated to develop a testbed for integrated RLV technologies that pave the way for a full scale development of a launch vehicle (Venture Star). Within the Nasa Future X Trailblazer program there is an Upgrade X-33 that focuses on materials and upgrades. The authors propose that the most significant gains can be realized by changing the propulsion cycle, not materials. The cycles examined are rocket cycles, with the combustion in the rocket motor. Specifically, these rocket cycles are: turbopump, topping, expander, air augmented, air augmented ram, LACE and deeply cooled. The vehicle size, volume, structural weight remain constant. The system and propellant tank weights vary with the propulsion system cycle. A reduction in dry weight, made possible by a reduced propellant tank volume, was converted into payload weight provided sufficient volume was made available by the propellant reduction. This analysis was extended to Venture Star for selected engine cycles. The results show that the X-33 test bed could carry a significant payload to LEO (10,000 Ib) and be a valuable test bed in developing a frequent flight to LEO capability. From X-33 published information the maximum speed is about 15,000 ft/sec. With a LACE rocket propulsion system Venture Star vehicle could be sized to a smaller vehicle with greater payload than the Venture Star baseline. Vehicle layout and characteristics were obtained from: http:// www.venturestar.com.     

Launch cost reduction by the reuse of the core stage of Ariane 5

The high cost of launching payloads into Earth orbit is a main limiting factor on the development of space. In order to reduce the high cost of launch, reuse of (parts of) the launch vehicle is needed. This study analyses the possibilities of recovering and reusing the core stage of Ariane 5. Recovery of the core stage sets demands on re-entry trajectory, attitude, stability, thermal protection, structural strength, terminal deceleration, salt water protection, recovery and refurbishment. All these subject areas require solutions to their individual problems. Added subsystems to the stage are defined and their mass is determined. These masses are used to determine the financial feasibility of the recovery concept, by weighing the payload demise and operational cost against the gains of reduced production cost. It is concluded that the recovery is technologically feasible, using a detachable ablative heat shield on the nose of the stage and a stabilisation device (an inflatable drag cone), a parachute system and an engine enclosure device. Total mass of these systems is 1320 kg, with financial savings amounting to $8.5 million per flight.     

捷龙一号首飞（英文）

The Smart Dragon 1(SD-1) launch vehicle is the first commercial rocket developed by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology(CALT), targeting to the international launch market for small satellites. As the smallest launch vehicle in China at present, SD-1 is one of the most efficient solid boost rockets nationwide in terms of launch capacity. Compared with current domestic rockets, it provides remarkable access to space with a faster response, higher orbit-injection accuracy and better payload accommodation at a lower cost. On August 17, 2019, SD-1 completed its maiden flight and delivered three satellites into the desired Sun Synchronous Orbit(SSO) of 550 km accurately. In this article, a technical review of SD-1 is presented detailing the design concept and the use of state of the art technology throughout its development.     

非完全对称火箭的助推器布局研究

捆绑助推器是提高火箭运载能力最有效的方式,针对某捆绑2个助推器的非完全对称火箭横向布局、纵向布局两种方式,研究了不同布局对火箭姿态控制、飞行载荷的影响。结果表明,一般情况下纵向布局有利于姿态控制,横向布局有利于降低载荷。     

International market for a reusable launch vehicle

A reusable launch vehicle could be developed early next century if the X-33 program is successful. Its development will be funded by industry, and the vehicle will be operated privately. A critical task is to assess the future market for such a vehicle. The total number of commercial payloads could range between 40 and 60 satellites per year, taking into account the market elasticity due to the launch price reduction. The RLV would face important competition from expendable launch vehicles. However, the RLV could capture two-thirds of this market, or 26–33 commercial payloads per year.     

Atlas II and IIA analyses and environments validation

General Dynamics has now flown all four versions of the Atlas commercial launch vehicle, which cover a payload weight capability to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) in the range of 5000–8000 lb. The key analyses to set design and environmental test parameters for the vehicle modifications and the ground and flight test data that validated them were prepared in paper IAF-91-170 for the first version, Atlas I.

This paper presents similar data for the next two versions, Atlas II and IIA. The Atlas II has propellant tanks lengthened by 12 ft and is boosted by MA-5A rocket engines uprated to 474,000 lb liftoff thrust. GTO payload capability is 6225 lb with the 11-ft fairing. The Atlas IIA is an Atlas II with uprated RL10A-4 engines on the lengthened Centaur II upper stage. The two 20,800 lb thrust, 449 s specific impulse engines with an optional extendible nozzle increase payload capability to GTO to 6635 lb. The paper describes design parameters and validated test results for many other improvements that have generally provided greater capability at less cost, weight and complexity and better reliability. Those described include: moving the MA-5A start system to the ground, replacing the vernier engines with a simple 50 lb thrust on-off hydrazine roll control system, addition of a POGO suppressor, replacement of Centaur jettisonable insulation panels with fixed foam, a new inertial navigation unit (INU) that combines in one package a ring-laser gyro based strapdown guidance system with two MIL-STD-1750A processors, redundant MIL-STD-1553 data bus interfaces, robust Ada-based software and a new Al-Li payload adapter. Payload environment is shown to be essentially unchanged from previous Atlas vehicles. Validation of load, stability, control and pressurization requirements for the larger vehicle is discussed.

All flights to date (five Atlas II, one Atlas IIA) have been successful in launching satellites for EUTELSAT, the U.S. Air Force and INTELSAT. Significant design parameters validated by these flights are presented. Particularly noteworthy has been the performance of the INU, which has provided average GTO insertion errors of only 10 miles apogee, 0.2 miles perigee and 0.004 degrees inclination. It is concluded that Atlas II/IIA have successfully demonstrated probably the largest number of current state-of-the-art components of any expendable launch vehicle flying today.     

以RBCC为动力的巡航飞行器有效载荷质量敏感性分析

基于飞行轨迹及质量分析数学模型,对以RBCC为动力的巡航飞行器有效载荷的敏感性进行了分析,主要考虑了发动机比冲、发射马赫数、发射高度、模态转换点(转换马赫数)及惰性质量系数等对有效载荷质量的影响。分析结果表明,提高发射马赫数和发射高度、增加发动机比冲、降低模态转换马赫数及飞行器惰性质量系数有利于提高巡航飞行器的有效载荷质量。其中有效载荷质量对惰性质量系数最敏感,当惰性质量系数分别减小7.3%和增大7.3%时,有效载荷质量的增大量和减小量将分别达到58%和103.7%。     

LISA — a study of the ESA cornerstone mission for observing gravitational waves

The primary objective of the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission is to detect and observe gravitational waves from massive black holes and galactic binaries in the frequency range 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻¹ Hz. This low-frequency range is inaccessible to ground-based interferometers because of the unshieldable background of local gravitational noise and because ground-based interferometers are limited in length to a few km. LISA is an ESA cornerstone mission and recently had a system study (Ref. 1) carried out by a consortium led by Astrium, which confirmed the basic configuration for the payload with only minor changes, and provided detailed concepts for the spacecraft and mission design. The study confirmed the need for a drag-free technology demonstration mission to develop the inertial sensors for LISA, before embarking on the build of the flight sensors. With a technology demonstration flight in 2005, it would be possible to carry out LISA as a joint ESA-NASA mission with a launch by 2010 subject to the funding programmatics. The baseline for LISA is three disc-like spacecraft each of which consist of a science module which carries the laser interferometer payload (two in each science module) and a propulsion module containing an ion drive and the hydrazine thrusters of the AOCS. The propulsion module is used for the transfer from earth escape trajectory provided by the Delta II launch to the operational orbit. Once there the propulsion module is jettisoned to reduce disturbances on the payload. Detailed analysis of thermal and gravitational disturbances, a model of the drag-free control and of the interferometer operation confirm that the strain sensitivity of the interferometer will be achieved.     

基于RBCC的天地往返运载器动力方案研究

基于火箭基组合循环发动机(RBCC)的结构组成、工作过程和特点,结合某吸气式重复使用天地往返运载器所提出的动力需求,分析了采用RBCC组合循环发动机作为该运载器动力方案的可行性和动力系统指标,设计并计算了RBCC组合循环发动机在各个工作模态下的性能参数.针对相同的运载器使用要求,采用相同的总体和气动力参数,通过飞行弹道仿真,计算和比较了采用RBCC发动机和纯火箭发动机两种动力方案的天地往返运载器方案.研究结果表明,相对于纯火箭动力,采用RBCC动力能明显减小运载器的燃料消耗,并增大其航程.     

Technical Feature Analysis of the LM-5 Overall Plan

The Long March 5(LM-5) launch vehicle is China's new generation heavy-lift rocket with the largest payload capacity,representing the highest standard of China's current launchers.It took 10 years to develop the LM-5 launch vehicle.On November 3,2016,the LM-5 carrier rocket blasted off from the Wenchang satellite launch center on Hainan Island,achieving a successful maiden flight.During the development of the LM-5 rocket,the engineering team accumulated abundant experience on developing heavy-lift cryogenic rockets and established a thorough research and development system for new generation launch vehicles,which significantly raised the ability for launcher RD.     

The transcost-model for launch vehicle cost estimation and its application to future systems analysis

The first part of the paper describes the structure of the analytical cost estimation model (1982 edition) for launch vehicle development, fabrication and launch operations cost. Especially the new approach for a cost assessment of operations cost including refurbishment (in case of reusable vehicles), direct and indirect operations is presented for discussion and subsequent improvements by introduction of more reference values. The model uses the Man-Year (MY) as cost unit which is independent from inflation and currency exchange rate changes.

The second part of the paper deals with its application to future systems analysis and cost comparison with the example of a potential future European launcher (Post-Ariane-4) with 15 tons LEO payload capability: ten different two-stage launch vehicle concepts (expendable, semi-reusable and fully reusable) with storable and cryogenic propellants are analysed with respect to development cost and cost per launch.

The key problem for a future European launch vehicle is the optimum solution between the (limited) development effort and the desired minimum launch cost. More advanced (partially) reusable systems could provide an essential reduction in cost per launch, require, however, a higher development effort.

In such a case an analytical cost model based on realistic reference data can provide important data for the vehicle concept selection process.     

A Ticket pricing strategy for an oligopolistic space tourism market

It is important for any new launch system to develop a successful pricing strategy and to optimize launch system parameters to receive a high economic profit. A question arises, what will happen when an existing suborbital flight market (the first likely to be established in space) is interfered with by a new established orbital flight market for space tourism. There is a risk that the suborbital space tourism market could be almost instantly displaced when a product capable of reaching orbit was introduced. This is best discussed using the following three cases whose results are presented in this paper. Case A presents a ticket pricing strategy for a suborbital and orbital vehicle if the two vehicles do not compete in the same market. Case B shows the necessary ticket pricing strategy for a suborbital vehicle if there is competition from an orbital flight operator. However, the suborbital vehicle would not be able to keep up with a drop in ticket prices due to its obsolete characteristics. Thus, the suborbital vehicle would be forced to stop operation in the year when flight costs became higher than flight receipts as shown in case C.     

Simulation model for the operation of space freighters

This paper makes the attempt to illustrate the need for a detailed operational analysis of future space transportation systems with the help of computer-based simulation models. The basic approach deemed suitable for such a systems simulation is explained in some detail. A reference program (100,000 Mg payload per year during 25 years) for a reference mission (heavy cargo transport to GEO for SPS construction) has been selected. A base-line launch vehicle (fully reusable ballistic all chemical three stage vehicle) has been defined, which is considered a serious applicant for such a mission. It was found that the take-off mass of this type of vehicle should be as large as practical from the viewpoint of cost-effectiveness. The example chosen has a GLOW of 10,000 Mg and lifts more than 100 Mg to GEO.With consideration of the operational parameters the simulation model evaluates the annual production rates, inventory of stages, utilization of facilities and operational cost, which amount within this frame of reference to about 96 $/kg net payload delivered to GEO in terms of 1980 dollars and contribute the main share to the total transportation cost.     

A preliminary study of pulse-laser powered orbital launcher

An air-breathing pulse-laser powered orbital launcher has been proposed as an alternative to conventional chemical launch systems. The aim of the present study is to assess its feasibility through the estimation of its achievable payload mass per unit beam power and launch cost. A transfer trajectory from the ground to a geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) is proposed, and the launch trajectory to its geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) is computed using the realistic performance modeled in the pulsejet, ramjet, and rocket flight modes of the launcher. Results show that the launcher can transfer 0.084 kg of payload per 1 MW beam power to a geosynchronous earth orbit. The cost becomes a quarter of existing systems if one can divide a single launch into 24,000 multiple launches.     

航天磁悬浮发射脉冲磁流体供能系统方案分析

针对航天发射低成本、安全可靠运输方式的需要,阐述分析了航天运载器磁悬浮发射概念及其能量供给需求。在重点研究了固体火箭燃料脉冲磁流体发电机的关键技术及发展水平后,基于俄罗斯四台“Sakhalin”脉冲磁流体发电机单元,提出和设计了用于助推发射100吨地面载荷(飞行器和磁悬浮橇体)实现4g加速度的能量供给方案,同时分析磁悬浮发射过程中三相直线电机加速和控制的特点,提出可行的逆变器功率转换系统方案。     

运载火箭飞行载荷联合优化控制技术

为了解决基于模块化研制的运载火箭其飞行剖面载荷与承载能力不匹配而导致发射概率过低的问题，提出一种基于弹道风修、发动机节流、主动减载、横向动载荷精细化四项减载技术的飞行载荷联合优化控制技术。以箭体承载能力为约束，提高发射概率为目标，多种载荷控制技术联合为手段对运载火箭进行逆向设计，可以有效提高模块化研制火箭的发射概率。以长征八号运载火箭首飞为例，该技术成功将发射概率由研制初期的33%提高到83%。     

The expanded delta launch vehicle family with a status on the new delta IV

The Expendable Launch Systems division of The Boeing Company is well into the development of the new family of Delta IV launch vehicles to support commercial and government missions. The Delta IV adds to the existing Delta family of vehicles, the Delta II in four configurations and the Delta III with twice the performance of the Delta II.The addition of the Delta IV adds five vehicles to the Delta family: the Delta IV medium, three Delta IV Medium-Plus vehicles with solid rocket augmentation, and the Delta IV Heavy vehicles. This family now addresses the full market range of payload requirements from 2,000 to 29,000 pounds to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO). Full-scale commercial development was initiated in 1997, with the first Delta flight planned for the second quarter of 2001. This paper presents the status of the development program of the launch vehicles, the new green field, focused factory for common booster core production at Decatur, Alabama, the new launch facility construction at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Vandenberg Air Force Base, and the new LO2/LH2 RS-68 common booster core engine. The status of the Delta III return to flight is also presented.     

VEGA, a small launch vehicle

Several studies have been performed in Europe aiming to promote the full development of a small launch vehicle to put into orbit one ton class spacecrafts. But during the last ten years, the european workforce was mainly oriented towards the qualification of the heavy class ARIANE 5 launch vehicle.Then, due also to lack of visibility on this reduced segment of market, when comparing with the geosatcom market, no proposal was sufficiently attractive to get from the potentially interrested authorities a clear go-ahead, i.e. a financial committment.

The situation is now rapidly evolving. Several european states, among them ITALY and FRANCE, are now convinced of the necessity of the availability of such a transportation system, an important argument to promote small missions, using small satellites. Application market will be mainly scientific experiments and earth observation; some telecommunications applications may be also envisaged such as placement of little LEO constellation satellites, or replacement after failure of big LEO constellation satellites.

FIAT AVIO and AEROSPATIALE have proposed to their national agencies the development of such a small launch vehicle, named VEGA.

The paper presents the story of the industrial proposal, and the present status of the project: Mission spectrum, technical definition, launch service and performance, target development plan and target recurring costs, as well as the industrial organisation for development, procurement, marketing and operations.     

Economics of telecommunications space segments

This paper proposes a complete model for assessing the economics of telecommunications satellite systems, accounting for spacecraft development and manufacturing, launch and operations in orbit. This allows to account for such parameters as the mass and lifetime of the satellites, the number and type of payloads, the number of satellites procured and launched, the spare policy, the launch vehicle, the insurances, the satellite average MTTF and the management of the space segment efforts.

The model is divided into four parts: the spacecraft mass model, the spacecraft procurement cost model, the MTTF model and the space segment cost-effectiveness model. It provides for the rapid solution of a number of problems within a wide range of parameters such as assessing the influence on space segment economics of —certain satellite technologies, —satellite and payload mass, —number of payloads per spacecraft, —satellite lifetime, or —spare policy.     

充气式再入减速器研究最新进展

随着载人航天事业和行星探索任务的不断发展,再入返回运载工具受到运载火箭整流罩的大小限制越来越明显。针对降低返回系统重量以增加有效载荷的日益需求,一种新型充气式再入减速器成为国际上研究的热点。它具有易折叠包装、重量轻、展开阻力面积大,再入时弹道系数低和产生的气动热量小等明显优点,为航天员应急返回、深空探测以及有效载荷的回收提供了一种新的技术途径。重点对堆叠圆环型、单充气环薄膜型和双层锥形充气囊型等三种充气式再入减速器在结构设计、飞行测试、材料防热研究、气动特性仿真分析等方面的最近研究进展进行总述,并对充气式再入减速器的关键科学问题进行简要总结。