Missions, Operations & Ground Infrastructure 1. Scope 2. Missions & Requirements 3. Launch Operations 4. Infrastructure 5. Summary DGLR-Fachausschuss S4.1 Dr.-Ing. Michael Gräßlin Institut für Raumfahrtsysteme, Universität Stuttgart Dr.-Ing. Osman Kalden VEGA IT, Darmstadt 1
Scope The DGLR S4.1 Working Group on Space Transportation Systems (FachAusschuss S4.1 Raumtransportsysteme) is a forum for members from agencies, institutions, industry and universities in Germany. Gathering and analysing information and argumentation on space transportation systems past, status and future is the objective of the group. The analysis and documentation is coordinated around the topics Demand / Market System Concepts & Subsets Propulsion, Structures & Subsystems (System related aspects) Missions & Operations (incl. Ground infrastructure) Cost (Development, Production & Operation) Projects / Programmatic (Development & Demonstration) This paper presents the DGLR-FAS S4.1 status of information and analysis of missions, operations & infrastructure accessible for European launchers. Conclusions are drawn for further orientation of European space transportation capabilities. 2
MISSIONS & REQUIREMENTS Missions by Target Orbits: GEO commercially most important (communication, television and weather satellites) Payload delivered into GTO or GEO MEO GPS/Galileo satellites (satellite systems with >20 satellites + replacements) Commercial interesting (many satellites + regularly replacements) SSO scientific and military missions Earth observation satellites low launch rate LEO / ISS ATV on Ariane V (only 1 launch / year) LEO-science&communication (e.g. Orbcom 2nd generation; 6 S/C launched by Cosmos-3M) Interplanetary or experimental low launch rates high v missions Venus Express, Mars Express, Rosetta, ESA Aurora Program Missions 3
MISSIONS & REQUIREMENTS Requirements by Mission: Target Orbit GEO MEO LEO/SSO LEO interplanetary via GTO direct direct direct ATV experimental payload mass /kg 3000-6000 1500-3000 1000-4000 <1000-8000 20000 1000-3000 payload volume advantage of launch site at equator + + (+) - (+) + launch window constraints yes yes yes yes yes yes dual launch + + (+) / no no reignitable upper stage (+) + + (+) + (+) duration of coasting phases short long long short short short upper stage reorientation /spin + + (+) (+) / (+) precise navigation + + + + (+) + launch frequency / availability high low moderate moderate low low significant requirements 4
Current European Launchers (commercially provided) Arianespace (Kourou Launch Site) Ariane 5 (A5G, A5ES, A5ESC) Vega (2010+) Starsem Sojuz (from Kourou: 2009+) Eurockot Rockot Cosmos Space Systems Cosmos 3M The available launchers Payload cover /to. requirements LEO of: 20 xxx ccc vvv payload capability from small to large GTO satellites 9(A5ECA) xxx ccc vvv for GTO, MEO, LEO Re ignitable and polar upper SSO stage: orbits and A5ES EscapeFregatt BreezKM complex missions Launch with multiple site thrust/coasting CSG phases CB PSK CSG Dual launch for GTO transport by Ariane 5 (commercial interesting market) 5
Mission and Launch Operations duration ~ 4 weeks launch campaign mission analysis for special mission/payloads trajectory, maneuvers (GNC) Satellite-launcher load analysis production and delivery to launch site (sat./lv) ARIANE 5: 32 month integration of LV and checkout at launch area (sat./lv) fueling of payload mating of payload rollout to launch pad checkout and fueling launch post flight evaluation 6
CSG Infrastructure (operational infrastructure) The CSG mainly comprises: the CSG arrival area through the sea and air ports the Payload Preparation Complex (shared between three launch vehicles) the Upper Composite Integration Facility dedicated to each launch vehicle: for Ariane 5, the upper composite integration is carried out in the Final Assembly Building (BAF) the dedicated Launch Sites for Ariane, Soyuz and Vega each including Launch Pad, LV integration buildings, Launch Centre (CDL, Centre de Lancement ) and support buildings, Mission Control Centre (MCC or CDC Centre de Contrôle ). Network of ground stations (TTC and Tracking) Source: Ariane 5 user manual 7
Launch Infrastructure (Arianespace / CSG) Arianespace offers to its customers reliable and proven launch services that include: Ground facilities and support (GRS) for customer activities at launch site; Combined operations at launch site, including launch vehicle and spacecraft integration and launch Telemetry and tracking ground station support and post-launch activities; Assistance and logistics support, which may include transportation and assistance with insurance, customs, and export licenses; Quality and safety assurance activities. Insurance and financing services on a case by case basis. Source: Ariane 5 user manual 8
Integration Sequence example Ariane 5 Source: Ariane 5 user manual 9
Manufacturing and Testing Infrastructure Europe has established manufacturing and testing centers on technologically high standard: manufacturing facilities: liquid and solid rocket engines advanced lightweight structures and thermal protection Load-carrying structures latest manufacturing processes test facilities: (e.g. ESTEC (NL), IABG (D), Lampoldshausen (D)) vibration and acoustic load testing on 1:1 scaled structures rocket engine test and verification facilities transportation and integration facilities quality management distributed all over Europe in all participation countries! proximity to research facilities 10
Research and Development Infrastructure Research and development of future space transportation systems is located in dedicated research institutions (including industry, agencies and educational institutes, i.e. Universities): Offering capabilities for System, subsystem and component design and development simulation hardware software failure analysis system evaluation and improvement concepts evaluations Assembly, integration, verification, test & operation preservation of know how and technology committed education of young scientists 11
Conclusions 1. Current launch vehicles cover present payload and mission requirements Ariane 5, the heavy lift workhorse for GTO missions, provides through the dual launch policy the best value for money Soyuz the Ariane 5 complement in GTO is also perfectly. suited for medium mass specific missions (LEO, escape ) Cosmos-3M, Rockot and in future Vega offer an affordable launch solution for small to medium missions 2. Launch costs are critical factor Cost for infrastructure and ground operations teams is almost independent of launch rate per year! cost will be less per flight if flight rates are high 3. Basic infrastructure for future space transportation is available 12