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.     

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%。     

航天器最优再入轨迹的选择分析

本文研究的目的是想获得具有最大有效载荷的航天器最优再入轨迹。返回段航天器的最大有效载荷等价于航天器离轨点所耗燃料质量与热防护系统（ＴＰＳ）质量之和达极小。文中把最大有效载荷的再入轨迹分三种情况作了分析：航天器ＴＰＳ质量不确定时，通过返回轨迹优化来获得航天器的最大有效载荷，并选择确定相应ＴＰＳ的质量；ＴＰＳ质量已确定时，通过再入轨迹优化来获得航天器的最大有效载荷；ＴＰＳ质量足够大时，通过多次穿越大气层来获得航天器的最大有效载荷。本文的结论可为航天器再入轨迹与ＴＰＳ的一体化选择提供思路。     

MDO approach for early design of aerobraking orbital transfer vehicles

This paper presents a new multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) methodology for preliminary design of an aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicle (AOTV) performing a two-way transfer between a low-Earth “parking” orbit and a high-energy orbit. This work has been performed in the frame of Onera's CENTOR [N. Bérend, C. Jolly, F. Jouhaud, D. Lazaro, Y. Mauriot, C. Monjaret, J.M. Moschetta, M. Parlier, J.L. Pastre, Y. Servouze, J.L. Vérant, Project CENTOR: Preparing the design of future orbital transfer vehicles; IAC-07-D.2.3.07, in: 58th International Astronautical Congress, 24–28/09/2007, Hyderabad, India] project whose objective is to prepare tools and methodology for studying and designing future space transportation systems for new kinds of missions such as on-orbit servicing (OOS), payload ferrying, or in-situ observation of space-debris. Using simplified models and an appropriate low-dimension formulation for the optimization problem the method makes possible to obtain rapidly and easily a global view of the trade-off between the payload mass and the total mass. It also makes possible to discuss the feasibility of the vehicle with regard to different multidisciplinary constraints and technology hypotheses for the heat shield. This approach is illustrated by eight different AOTV design studies, considering two different missions (LEO–MEO and LEO–GEO), two different propulsion technologies (LOX-LH2 and LOX-CH4) and two different thermal protection system (TPS) characteristics. In each case, we discuss the feasibility and characteristics of the lightest vehicle carrying a prescribed 100 kg payload, and, conversely, a heavy vehicle with a prescribed 18 ton total mass, carrying the heaviest possible payload.     

Very high delta-V missions to the edge of the solar system and beyond enabled by the dual-stage 4-grid ion thruster concept

A new and innovative type of gridded ion thruster, the “Dual-Stage 4-Grid” or DS4G concept, has been proposed and its predicted high performance validated under an ESA research, development and test programme. The DS4G concept is able to operate at very high specific impulse and thrust density values well in excess of conventional 3-grid ion thrusters at the expense of a higher power-to-thrust ratio. This makes it a possible candidate for ambitious missions requiring very high delta-V capability and high power. Such missions include 100 kW-level multi-ton probes based on nuclear and solar electric propulsion (SEP) to distant Kuiper Belt Object and inner Oort cloud objects, and to the Local Interstellar medium. In this paper, the DS4G concept is introduced and its application to this mission class is investigated. Benefits of using the DS4G over conventional thrusters include reduced transfer time and increased payload mass, if suitably advanced lightweight power system technologies are developed.A mission-level optimisation is performed (launch, spacecraft system design and low-thrust trajectory combined) in order to find design solutions with minimum transfer time, maximum scientific payload mass, and to explore the influence of power system specific mass. It is found that the DS4G enables an 8-ton spacecraft with a payload mass of 400 kg, equipped with a 65 kW nuclear reactor with specific mass 25 kg/kW (e.g. Topaz-type with Brayton cycle conversion) to reach 200 AU in 23 years after an Earth escape launch by Ariane 5. In this scenario, the optimum specific impulse for the mission is over 10,000 s, which is well within the capabilities of a single 65 kW DS4G thruster. It is also found that an interstellar probe mission to 200 AU could be accomplished in 25 years using a “medium-term” SEP system with a lightweight 155 kW solar array (2 kg/kW specific mass) and thruster PPU (3.7 kg/kW) and an Earth escape launch on Ariane 5. In this case, the optimum specific impulse is lower at 3500 s which is well within conventional gridded ion thruster capability.     

MDO approach for early design of aerobraking orbital transfer vehicles

This paper presents a new multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) methodology for preliminary design of an aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicle (AOTV) performing a two-way transfer between a low-Earth “parking” orbit and a high-energy orbit. This work has been performed in the frame of Onera's CENTOR [N. Bérend, C. Jolly, F. Jouhaud, D. Lazaro, Y. Mauriot, C. Monjaret, J.M. Moschetta, M. Parlier, J.L. Pastre, Y. Servouze, J.L. Vérant, Project CENTOR: Preparing the design of future orbital transfer vehicles; IAC-07-D.2.3.07, in: 58th International Astronautical Congress, 24–28/09/2007, Hyderabad, India] project whose objective is to prepare tools and methodology for studying and designing future space transportation systems for new kinds of missions such as on-orbit servicing (OOS), payload ferrying, or in-situ observation of space-debris. Using simplified models and an appropriate low-dimension formulation for the optimization problem the method makes possible to obtain rapidly and easily a global view of the trade-off between the payload mass and the total mass. It also makes possible to discuss the feasibility of the vehicle with regard to different multidisciplinary constraints and technology hypotheses for the heat shield. This approach is illustrated by eight different AOTV design studies, considering two different missions (LEO–MEO and LEO–GEO), two different propulsion technologies (LOX-LH2 and LOX-CH4) and two different thermal protection system (TPS) characteristics. In each case, we discuss the feasibility and characteristics of the lightest vehicle carrying a prescribed 100 kg payload, and, conversely, a heavy vehicle with a prescribed 18 ton total mass, carrying the heaviest possible payload.     

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.     

深空机动对运载火箭发射火星探测轨道研究

为解决长征(LM)运载火箭发射火星探测器转移轨道时，因低温入轨级最长允许滑行时间及测控限制，有效发射日期窗口亟需拓展的问题，采用主矢量理论结合序列二次规划算法(SQP)，研究了探测器深空机动(DSM)对优化运载火箭发射火星转移轨道的作用。在发射直接转移火星探测轨道算法基础上，重点研究了包含引力影响球(SOI)内近地及近火飞行段后，采用主矢量获取深空机动最优猜测初值的分析算法，通过直接使用探测器近火点目标轨道参数优化运载火箭发射轨道，研究对比不同优化目标及设计约束下深空机动的分析结果，证实深空机动对降低转移轨道总发射能量需求、拓展发射日期窗口的高效性；该算法已应用于工程设计。     

EXPERT: An atmospheric re-entry test-bed

In recognition of the importance of an independent European access to the International Space Station (ISS) and in preparation for the future needs of exploration missions, ESA is conducting parallel activities to generate flight data using atmospheric re-entry test-beds and to identify vehicle design solutions for human and cargo transportation vehicles serving the ISS and beyond. The EXPERT (European eXPErimental Re-entry Test-bed) vehicle represents the major on-going development in the first class of activities. Its results may also benefit in due time scientific missions to planets with an atmosphere and future reusable launcher programmes.

The objective of EXPERT is to provide a test-bed for the validation of aerothermodynamics models, codes and ground test facilities in a representative flight environment, to improve the understanding of issues related to analysis, testing and extrapolation to flight. The vehicle will be launched on a sub-orbital trajectory using a Volna missile. The EXPERT concept is based on a symmetrical re-entry capsule whose shape is composed of simple geometrical elements. The suborbital trajectory will reach 120 km altitude and a re-entry velocity of . The dimensions of the capsule are 1.6 m high and 1.3 m diameter; the overall mass is in the range of , depending upon the mission parameters and the payload/instrumentation complement. A consistent number of scientific experiments are foreseen on-board, from innovative air data system to shock wave/boundary layer interaction, from sharp hot structures characterisation to natural and induced regime transition.

Currently the project is approaching completion of the phase B, with Alenia Spazio leading the industrial team and CIRA coordinating the scientific payload development under ESA contract.     

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.     

In-orbit deployment characteristics of large deployable antenna reflector onboard Engineering Test Satellite VIII

This paper describes design, ground testing, an in-orbit experiment, and a novel in-orbit operation for large deployable antenna reflectors (LDRs). Two LDRs (TX-LDR for transmitting and RX-LDR for receiving) are installed on Engineering Test Satellite VIII (ETS-VIII). The reflector design features that the antenna reflector whose aperture is 13 m in diameter (the mechanical dimension is ) consists of 14 basic modules, and each basic module consists of a gold-plated molybdenum mesh, a system of cables, and a deployable frame structures. Several ground tests had been performed using a modular nature to advantage. Prior to the launch of ETS-VIII, we performed an in-orbit deployment experiment using LDREX-2 which consists of seven half-scale modules of LDR, to confirm evaluation accuracy. The LDREX-2 was launched by ARIANE 5 launch vehicle as a piggy-back payload. Deployment characteristics were measured to evaluate the accuracy of analytical prediction obtained by ground deployment testing. ETS-VIII was launched by H-IIA launch vehicle on 18 December 2006. After the successful injection into Geo Synchronous Orbit, the RX-LDR and the TX-LDR were successfully deployed on December 25th and 26th, respectively. We confirmed adequacy of the proposed design and ground verification methodology.     

European spaceflight at the crossroads

Plans for Europe's future participation in space development are still under active discussion. This article offers a contribution to the debate, considering how Europe can best fulfil its own objectives. Choice of launch vehicle and its payload, as well as of other tools such as space station, re-entry vehicle, and launch site equipment are analysed. The article also discusses the purposes of space research for Europe, and the costs of a useful programme. A far-reaching European space programme still needs to be drawn up if Europe is not to lose out.     

Micro- and mini-satellites of ISRO—technology and applications

With rich experience of the successful Indian remote sensing satellite series, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has started theme-based satellites like Resourcesat and Oceansat. Further taking the advantage of the improved technologies in areas of miniaturization, the micro- and mini-satellite series have been started, which will provide opportunity for the payloads of stand-alone missions, for applications, study or research. These include payloads for Earth imaging, atmospheric monitoring, ocean monitoring, scientific applications, and stellar observation. The micro-satellites are of 100 kg class, planned with a payload of about 30 kg and 20 W power and mini-satellites of 450 kg class for payloads of 200 kg and power of 200 W. The first satellite in the micro-satellite series is an Earth imaging payload followed by the second satellite with scientific payloads with the participation of students. Further the scientific proposals for micro-satellites are under evaluation. Similarly the first two missions of mini-satellites are defined with first one carrying ocean and environment monitoring payloads followed by the Earth imaging satellite with multi-spectral camera with 700 km swath. The current paper touches upon the technology involved in realization of the micro- and mini-satellites and the scope of applications of the series.     

安全约束下的空间翻滚目标涡流消旋稳定控制

针对空间翻滚目标涡流消旋任务执行效率低和抵近安全无保证的问题，首先基于椭球包络法给出了服务星机动轨迹的直接线性凸化安全约束，以确保机动过程的安全性和最优轨迹跟踪问题的有限时间可解性；设计了垂直构型下空间消旋任务的抵近期望轨迹以增强服务星消旋力矩的作用强度，缩短任务周期。在此基础上，提出了一种反馈线性化的收缩模型预测控制(FLC MPC)算法，有效跟踪所提出的期望轨迹，并严格保证安全约束及控制输入约束下受控系统的稳定性。最后，利用所提出的控制方法对阿丽亚娜 4火箭上面级进行消旋仿真，结果表明该方法能有效提高消旋效率，并保证服务星的安全稳定。     

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。     

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.     

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.     

基于序列近似优化算法的固体运载火箭弹道设计

采用打靶法研究固体运载火箭弹道优化设计问题。针对打靶法中智能优化算法效率、优化问题中约束条件提法等方面的不足,引入序列近似优化算法,提出算法中径向基函数高斯核宽度的高效确定方法。数值仿真实验表明,提出的方法可在基本不带来计算量增加的前提下,显著提高代理模型精度,使序列近似优化算法得到改进,提高优化效率。设计固体运载火箭飞行程序。建立弹道优化设计问题数学模型,并将模型中相关等式约束合理转化为不等式约束,降低优化问题求解难度;基于改进后的序列近似优化算法完成某固体运载火箭弹道优化,原始计算模型调用308次之后便搜索到最优解,较传统智能优化算法显著提高了优化效率,优化方案末助推级液体推进剂消耗比原方案减少25.7%。     

Small spacecraft “UNISAT” launched by the “start-1” launcher

The preliminary estimations show that the contemporary level of electronic and information engineering makes it possible to create a small s/c of 150–200 kg mass capable to solve both the problems of Earth remote sensing and many other applied and scientific problems orbiting the planets at 500–1000 km. In accordance with the fundamental criterion for choosing parameters of small multipurpose spacecraft the small UNISAT s/c has been created on the basis of a unified space platform. The design provides for s/c energetic, thermal and space-saving parameters satisfying the conditions for accommodation of various-purpose payload and a possibility of using relatively inexpensive and light launchers like “Start-1” mobile launch complexes. Space platform mass is 100–120 kg; permissible payloads (PL) mass is 40–80 kg; maximal average power consumption of the payload is up to 60 W; three-axes orientation accuracy up to 0.001 deg./s; s/c lifetime is not less than 3–5 years.