FLPP
Future space transportation systems and technologies
Ensuring Europe's independent long-term access to space at a reasonable cost requires a constant process of laying the foundations for future launch vehicle systems and the corresponding technologies. The current performance criteria for space transportation systems will continue to apply in the future: Price and reliability will determine the economic viability of the system. Competition on the global market for launch services is constantly increasing.
To remain competitive, today's launch and production costs must be significantly reduced. Other requirements include short development times and low maintenance costs. In principle, both more economical variants of today's ‘disposable’ systems and reusable carrier rocket systems could fulfil this objective.
Improving the competitiveness and cost-effectiveness of European launch vehicle systems
Many different points need to be considered when selecting the optimum launcher concept for Europe. In addition to existing and new technologies, these include not only the potential market for a European launcher, but also the specific requirements of institutional and commercial customers, possible launcher concepts and ultimately the availability of industrial capacities.
The Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) was adopted at the ESA Ministerial Council Conference in 2003 with a view to making Europe's launchers more economical and ensuring their competitiveness. Under this programme, various launcher concepts are examined in system studies. Concurrently, the necessary technologies for future launchers are identified, developed and tested. This work makes it possible to minimise development and cost risks associated with future launcher programmes, or as a minimum to better assess risks in advance. The technologies focus on propulsion and stage system technologies. Germany was and remains an important technology supplier in this area.
The FLPP programme has been extended on an ongoing basis and its objectives have been adapted and expanded in line with the latest challenges. The current focus is on the development of an economical upper stage made of lightweight carbon fibre composite material (PHOEBUS project), improving the performance of existing and new engines (Vulcain NEO, Vinci Evolution) and the implementation and industrialisation of new processes and methods such as 3D printing (additive manufacturing). Contracts will increasingly be awarded on a competitive basis and cover the needs of established and new market participants alike.
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