Even in space, recycling may help to reduce costs. Thus, DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG (Dasa, Munich) will invest in new technologies in order to be able to tap the market for reusable launcher systems from 2012 onwards.
Reusable spacecraft will allow delivery of satellites into orbit at considerably lower costs. This is a decisive factor particularly with respect to the so-called constellation programs which are intended to bring a large number of satellites into orbit. In addition, the new, reusable launcher systems will allow interplanetary missions. They could, for instance, transport energy from space to the Earth. Flights to the Moon or to Mars could also be possible.
In a joint initiative with Bremen-based partners from industry and science (OHB System GmbH and Drop Tower operating company ZARM of the University of Bremen) Dasa has started preparations with the demonstration program "Phoenix" this year. "Phoenix" is intended to test technologies for the reusable, unmanned and commercial launcher system "Hopper", to reduce possible risks in the use of environment-friendly propellants and to gain experience for future operation. In a first step, the Phoenix flight demonstrator will be equipped with a rocket engine (first flight scheduled for 2002). "Hopper" shall be driven by three Vulcain Mark 2 engines and shall lift off into a low earth orbit from a horizontal slide unit.
The reusable "Hopper" with a length of about 40 meters and a wing span of 22 meters has a maximum take-off weight of up to 400 tons. Hopper payloads, i.e. satellites and other facilities with a total weight of about seven tons in the low earth orbit and of more than five tons in the geostationary orbit, will be delivered into an orbit outside the atmosphere by an integrated upper stage. Mission of the upper stage will be completed after delivery. It burns up at reentry while "Hopper" is returning to a landing field where it touches down like an aircraft. After landing, it will be prepared for the next mission.
The Hopper concept is based on reliable technologies and systems, which Dasa developed in programs such as "S¿nger", or with the help of reentry and landing technologies. In addition, the Hopper concept will benefit from experience Dasa gained within the framework of an ESA study on future transport systems. In parallel to this initiative, Dasa carries out tasks with respect to the European contribution to the US space transport system program X-33, a precursor of a future reusable crew rescue vehicle for use on the International Space Station.
Future of the Shuttle Conference – July 28, 1999
