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Expendable Launch Vehicle Concepts

Preminary design of a small TSTO launcher with solid rocket first stage and cryogenic upper stage

The SART (Space Launcher Systems Analysis) group is responsible within DLR for the study and the development of new proposals for expendable launch vehicles. While the VENUS (Vega New Upper Stage) project which ended in June 2011, addressed small launch vehicles, the on-going NGL (Next Generation Launcher) study considered medium class launch vehicles. An advanced TSTO (two stages to orbit) launch vehicle considered as an evolution of the Vega launch vehicle is also currently under-study. SART also plays a key role in the WOTAN study.

Current and recent expendable launch vehicle concepts studied by the SART group:

• NGL
• Advanced TSTO launch vehicles
• VENUS
• WOTAN

Note that all launcher concepts presented on this page are under investigation to obtain a better understanding of futer ELV options. For none of the launchers, even the most promising ones, currently a development decision is implicated.

References:

2011

• Dumont, E.; Ludwig, C.; Kopp, A.; Sippel, M.: Advanced TSTO launch vehicles. 4th European Conference For Aerospace Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia, July 2011
• Wisse, M.; Obermaier, G.; Dumont, E.; Ruwwe, T.: VENUS – Conceptual design for Vega New Upper Stage, IAC-11-D2.3.4, 62nd International Astronautical Congress, Cape Town, South Africa, 3rd-7th October 2011.
• Sippel, M.; Dumont, E.; Dietlein, I.: Investigations of Future Expendable Launcher Options, IAC-11-D2.4.8, 62nd International Astronautical Congress, Cape Town, South Africa, 3rd-7th October 2011

2010

• Sippel, M.; Lang, A.; Dumont, E.: Advanced Technology Upper Stages for Future Launchers. 61st International Astronautical Congress, Prague, Czech Republic. IAC-10-D2.3., September 2010

2008

• Sippel, M.; van Foreest, A.; Klevanski, J.; Gerstmann, J.; Dutheil, J.-P.; Jäger, M.; Philip, P.: Future European Expendable Launcher Options and Technology Preparation, Glasgow, Scotland, IAC-08-D2.4.6, September 2008

2007

• Sippel, M.; van Foreest, A.; Dutheil, J.-P.; Philip, P.: Technical Assessments of Future European Space Transportation Options, IAC-07-D2.7.09, Hyderabad, India, September 2007