The European launcher systems Ariane and Vega are being continuously improved. Within this framework and based on experience in systems simulation, the SR institute contributes to the preliminary design, evaluation, and optimization of current and future reusable launcher systems.
To this end, the SR institute performs detailed studies on optimal flight trajectories, physical modelling, and “Guidance, Navigation and Control” (GNC) for controllability and stability considerations during all relevant flight phases of launcher systems. Optimal flight trajectories are most relevant because of their influence in the design of reusable launcher systems.
Based on the modelling language Modelica, a framework within the DLR Space Systems Library provides methods and tools for modelling of rigid and flexible launch vehicles considering structural elastic effects, which have a significant impact on the launcher performance.