垂直起降可重复使用运载器发展现状与关键技术分析

重复使用运载技术是降低单次发射成本、提高发射密度和减少残骸危害的有效手段,随着以Falcon 9系列为代表的垂直起降运载器的成功回收与重复使用,其在商业航天发射市场表现出了较强的竞争力,掀起了可重复使用运载器的研究新热潮。首先梳理了垂直起降可重复使用运载器的发展现状,然后结合垂直起降运载的任务特征分析了其关键技术,最后总结了垂直起降运载器的发展趋势。     

我国航天运输系统60年发展回顾

航天运输系统包括一次性运载火箭、重复使用运载器、轨道转移运载器3个领域,目前一次性运载火箭仍是我国满足进入空间需求的主体。我国运载火箭起步于20世纪60年代,经过半个世纪的发展,共研制了17种运载火箭、9种上面级,具备发射低、中、高不同轨道和不同有效载荷的能力。对我国航天运输系统60年发展历程和主要成就与不足进行了总结。     

Competitive pricing for multiple payload launch services: the road to commercial space

The commercial launch industry is maturing into an international market that is highly price competitive. A common way to deal with the high cost of launch services is to use a single booster to place several payloads into orbit. This practice requires the launch provider to divide the cost of the shared mission between the customers. Unfortunately, the methods normally used to do this are inadequate. This paper addresses the question of how best to share launch costs. It examines the existing methods and introduces two alternative methods for this purpose. The new methods are demonstrated and shown to be superior.     

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.     

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.     

Federal tax incentives and financing for the reusable launch vehicle

Financing a very large new space transportation system is a major venture. It requires an initial investment of many billions of dollars and will be expected to perform successfully during its lifetime of at least twenty-five years. In the past, space systems of this magnitude have been funded, owned and operated by the government. Today, as the responsibility for opening and maintaining space systems is expected to shift from government to industry leadership, the reusable launch vehicle (RLV) presents the private sector with the challenge of finding ways of financing and building a system that will prove to be a successful private venture. The government, recognizing that it is a major customer of the RLV and that new technology must be developed for the RLV to work and to adequately reduce the cost of access to space, will fund some Initial technology development as well as provide some incentives for a private operator. This paper shows that using the current tax system's corporate investment benefits, coupled with a favorable debt financing arrangement, a profitable privately owned RLV system Is within the realm of possibility.     

RBCC和TBCC组合发动机在RLV上的应用

论述了吸气式组合发动机在新一代可重复使用运载器上的使用现状,分析了各种组合方案的优势和特点,着重介绍了RBCC、TBCC的应用对飞行器总体性能的影响,并提出了两种较优的飞行器组合结构方案。     

The relevance of economic data in the decision-making process for orbital launch vehicle programs,a U.S. perspective

Over the past fifteen years, major U.S. initiatives for the development of new launch vehicles have been remarkably unsuccessful. The list is long: NLI, SLI, and X-33, not to mention several cancelled programs aimed at high speed airplanes (NASP, HSCT) which would share some similar technological problems.The economic aspects of these programs are equally as important to their success as are the technical aspects. In fact, by largely ignoring economic realities in the decisions to undertake these programs and in subsequent management decisions, space agencies (and their commercial partners) have inadvertently contributed to the eventual demise of these efforts.The transportation revolution that was envisaged by the promises of these programs has never occurred. Access to space is still very expensive; reliability of launch vehicles has remained constant over the years; and market demand has been relatively low, volatile and slow to develop. The changing international context of the industry (launching overcapacity, etc.) has also worked against the investment in new vehicles in the U.S. Today, unless there are unforeseen technical breakthroughs, orbital space access is likely to continue as it has been with high costs and market stagnation.Space exploration will require significant launching capabilities. The details of the future needs are not yet well defined. But, the question of the launch costs, the overall demand for vehicles, and the size and type of role that NASA will play in the overall launch market is likely to influence the industry. This paper will emphasize the lessons learned from the economic and management perspective from past launch programs, analyze the issues behind the demand for launches, and project the challenges that NASA will face as only one new customer in a very complex market situation. It will be important for NASA to make launch vehicle decisions based as much on economic considerations as it does on solving new technical challenges.     

The relevance of economic data in the decision-making process for orbital launch vehicle programs, a U.S. perspective

Over the past fifteen years, major U.S. initiatives for the development of new launch vehicles have been remarkably unsuccessful. The list is long: NLI, SLI, and X-33, not to mention several cancelled programs aimed at high speed airplanes (NASP, HSCT) which would share some similar technological problems.The economic aspects of these programs are equally as important to their success as are the technical aspects. In fact, by largely ignoring economic realities in the decisions to undertake these programs and in subsequent management decisions, space agencies (and their commercial partners) have inadvertently contributed to the eventual demise of these efforts.The transportation revolution that was envisaged by the promises of these programs has never occurred. Access to space is still very expensive; reliability of launch vehicles has remained constant over the years; and market demand has been relatively low, volatile and slow to develop. The changing international context of the industry (launching overcapacity, etc.) has also worked against the investment in new vehicles in the U.S. Today, unless there are unforeseen technical breakthroughs, orbital space access is likely to continue as it has been with high costs and market stagnation.Space exploration will require significant launching capabilities. The details of the future needs are not yet well defined. But, the question of the launch costs, the overall demand for vehicles, and the size and type of role that NASA will play in the overall launch market is likely to influence the industry. This paper will emphasize the lessons learned from the economic and management perspective from past launch programs, analyze the issues behind the demand for launches, and project the challenges that NASA will face as only one new customer in a very complex market situation. It will be important for NASA to make launch vehicle decisions based as much on economic considerations as it does on solving new technical challenges.     

The US–Europe technology gap in space transportation: the view from the USA

This paper examines the debate within the USA over how to meet the perceived competition from the successful European Ariane launcher and the loss of US market share for space launch services that it represented. In particular, it explores the origins of the 1983 Reagan Administration policy to turn over expendable launch vehicle production and operation to private industry. The Administration's other decisions to: (1) use the Space Shuttle to fly all government payloads, and (2) allow NASA to market Space Shuttle services commercially, conflicted with this commercialization policy. These policies effectively caused US industry to delay entry into the international competition for launch services until after the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger in January 1986.     

The Rockot launch system

EUROCKOT Launch Services GmbH has been founded by Daimler-Benz Aerospace of Germany and Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center of Russia to offer world-wide cost effective launch services on the Rockot launch system. The Rockot commercial program is described. Rockot can launch satellites weighing up to 1850 kg into polar and other low earth (LEO) orbits. The Rockot launch vehicle is based on the former Russian SS-19 strategic missile. The first and second stages are inherited from the SS-19, the third stage named Breeze is newly developed and has multiple ignition capability. The Rockot launch system is flight proven. In addition to the currently adapted Rockot launch site Plesetsk for high inclinations, EUROCKOT is in the process to also adapt the Baykonur cosmodrome as their complementary Rockot launch site for lower inclinations. The wide range of Rockot performance is provided. The first commercial launch is foreseen in the middle of 1999. The expected launch capacity for Plesetsk and Baykonur will exceed 10 launches per year. The complete Rockot system including performance is presented.     

一种可兼容多型号运载火箭的可重构式活动发射平台（英文）

A launch pad is an important part of the launch vehicle system. It bears the weight of launch vehicles and payloads, and is burnt due to the high-temperature and high-pressure gas flow during launch. This study analyzes the development of launch pads in the world, reviews a reconfigurable mobile launch pad for multiple launchers, then proposes common points and development trends of future launch pads in the world.     

自主学习干扰观测器驱动的重复使用运载器再入段滑模控制

针对重复使用运载器(RLV)再入段的姿态控制问题，设计一种具有自主学习干扰观测器(SLDO)的滑模控制器。基于奇异摄动理论及时标分离原则，将RLV的姿态动力学方程划分为外环和内环子系统。根据RLV再入段模型不确定性和外部干扰均随时间变化、不可忽略且无法预知边界等特点，结合2型模糊神经结构、误差反馈学习架构以及滑模控制(SMC)理论，提出一种新型在线自主学习干扰观测器。设计基于SLDO驱动的多元超螺旋滑模控制器，完成对再入段姿态的跟踪。最后，针对6自由度RLV模型进行了仿真分析，仿真结果证明了控制方法的有效性以及鲁棒性。     

LM-11——The Main Force in China's Small Launch Vehicles for Commercial Launch

The Long March 11 launch vehicle(LM-11) is the only solid launch vehicle within China's new-generation launch vehicle series, enabling a full spectrum of Chinese launch vehicles. Compared with other China's LM series launch vehicles, it has the shortest launch preparation time. With the characteristics of appropriate launch capability, quick response, easy-to-use, flexible operation, universal interface and strong task adaptability, LM-11 can better meet the launch requirements for various small networking satellite, replacement and for emergency use. After four successful launches, LM-11 has become the main Chinese launch vehicle oriented to the international small satellite commercial launch market.     

可重复使用飞行器归一化复合控制系统设计

以可重复使用飞行器（RLV）的姿态控制系统为研究对象,提出一种基于归一化方法的新型复合控制系统设计方法。对RLV三自由度姿态动力学模型中的气动控制量和反作用控制系统（RCS）控制量分别进行归一化处理,建立RLV复合控制的归一化模型。在此基础上,通过对归一化模型的输入矩阵中同种执行机构控制阈值的设计,获得两种异类执行机构复合控制的切换条件,并进一步修正了归一化复合控制模型。基于积分型终端滑模控制方法,设计了可重复使用飞行器的复合控制系统,并采用广义逆的方法,直接将控制分配融合到控制律的设计中来,实现控制律和控制分配的一体化设计,不需要优化算法,减少了控制系统的计算量。最后,对可重复使用飞行器姿态控制系统进行数学仿真,不仅校验了采用归一化方法设计的复合控制系统的有效性,而且与采用线性规划优化控制方法具有相同的姿态控制效果。     

天地往返可重复使用运载器再入飞行GNC系统关键技术

天地往返可重复使用运载器(RLV)在未来天战中将扮演重要角色。目前各军事大国围绕RLV的关键技术开展了广泛深入的研究。再入飞行是RLV飞行任务的重要阶段,而制导、导航与控制(GNC)系统则是RLV的核心系统之一,是RLV再入飞行的“脑系统”。本文分析了RLV在再入飞行阶段GNC系统的任务要求,明确其体系结构,分析GNC系统存在的问题,给出了深入研究GNC系统需要解决的关键技术和进一步研究的方向。     

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.     

我国可重复使用液体火箭发动机发展的思考

重复使用是降低航天发射成本的重要途径之一,是液体火箭发动机未来发展的重要方向。本文分析了可重复使用液体发动机的发展趋势,针对可重复使用运载器对发动机功能的需求,探讨了动力系统方案;对比了液氧煤油和液氧甲烷等推进剂组合和不同循环方式,认为几种发动机方案均可满足重复使用运载器的需求;研究了重复使用发动机的关键技术,提出应重点研究可重复使用液体火箭发动机高温组件热结构疲劳寿命评估及延寿技术、运动组件摩擦磨损技术、结构动载荷控制与评估技术、快速检测评估与维修维护技术、健康监控与故障诊断技术、二次或多次起动技术与大范围推力调节技术等。     

Commercial spaceports — a window of opportunity?

The feasibility of building commercial spaceports is being actively investigated in several countries. Potential benefits include boosting economic development and assisting the commercial launch industry. This report finds, however, that commercial spaceport development will probably not be capable of generating a large enough return on investment to attract private sector involvement without significant government assistance. It is also unlikely that the market for large launch vehicles will support spaceport development; however, small satellites may offer better prospects.     

反作用控制系统在RLV再入复合控制中的研究

以再入段的可重复使用飞行器(RLV)控制系统为研究对象,针对RLV再入姿态的气动舵面与反作用力控制系统的特点,提出优化控制选择配置算法把控制力矩指令配置为末端执行机构指令,分别由气动舵面与反作用力控制系统执行。仿真结果表明,该复合控制方法可以弥补某些情况下气动舵面控制的不足,能很好地实现RLV姿态控制,并具有更好的动态性能。