Launchers Technological Demonstrator Status

摘要

Since several years, CNES Launcher Directorate is developing technological demonstrators in the field of In-Flight Experimentation, Cryogenic Propulsion, Stage linked to propellant tank and its functional aspects. This paper present briefly the link between technological demonstrators and possible targets and will focus on their more recent technical status. The following demonstrators will be addressed through this paper. Pre-X is an experimental vehicle dedicated to mastering of glided atmospheric re-entry. The PDR of the project will be achieved mid 2007. This paper will give an overview of this project and will present the main results demonstrating its feasibility and robustness. A specific attention will be paid to the different system margins achieved at the beginning of the next phase. The main issues and their relevant solutions will be discussed. The Pre-X project is supported by TPS development with the Shingle Generic demonstrator. In 2006 all the relevant tests were performed at Shingle level. In 2007 tests have been performed at SIMOUN Plasma Wind Tunnel, simulating the interface between different Shingles with a parametric analysis of the step and gaps interaction. An overview of the Shingle Generic status will be presented and the coherence between the Shingle demonstration and the Pre-X Thermo-mechanical design and TPS layout will be discussed. VX is a technological demonstrator for innovative LOX/LH2 propulsion technologies. The 1st step of VX demonstration is the Power-Pack test that will include the following innovative sub-systems: New LH2 turbo pump, new Gas Generator, new valves with electrical actuator. The test will be performed at PF-52 test bench during the first semester of 2008. The paper will describe the test configuration and test objectives (test plan). H-X is a technological demonstration frame whose objective is to support the European effort in the preparation of a future versatile cryogenic upper stage. Based on the identification of the most critical key technologies addressing insulation and functional aspects, selection of relevant demonstrations in term of solution, objectives, environmental and scale similitude... is performed. The result of the selection is presented here Of course the synergy and coherence with Europe programme such as FLPP where France is the main contributor will be insured