Next generation space launchers and micro-launchers development within ESA

Current aerospace launchers market consists of both state funded enterprises and private enterprise. Within this context the European Space Agency (ESA) has launched several initiatives in order to secure Europe’sfuture access to space amongst which one of the newest initiatives is represented by the micro-launcher development programme. This program aims at developing a micro-launcher with a capability of up to50 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Besides launching satellites the micro-launcher will serve also as a technological test bed for new technologies to be validated before being implementedon larger launchers (e.g.: new guidance techniques).Romanian Space Agency (ROSA) is the main driving force behind the micro-launcher development programme with an investment of 19 million Eurosover several years. Overall satellite market is outlinedin our research showing several windows of opportunity for micro-launchers. SSL (solid-solidliquid) configuration is discussed in detail from theoptimization point of view. Solid propulsion is thepreferred options of several other launchers especially when low cost is needed [1], [2]. Several results of an internal ballistic code developed in-house are shownincluding erosive burn on composite solid rocket motor. These results are relevant in the context of microlauncher development for the 1st and 2nd stage configuration. Numerical results of the internal ballisticmodel are compared with experimental results obtained on a test stand. Conclusions end the current research with an outline of future developments envisioned for the micro-launcher programme.

Keywords:

space launchers , ESA , Maximum , microlaunchers