STUDIES STATUS ON THE FLEX IN-FLIGHT TESTBED

摘要

Space Agencies Roskosmos (Russia) and CNES (France) have engaged a joint frame program OURAL that aims at maturing the set of enabling technologies required to develop a Launcher that will replace Launch Systems currently operated or to enter operations in the near future. As such the end-to-end OURAL Program includes : 1. System studies ; 2. on-ground tests for maturing some key technologies such as liquid propulsion ; 3. two in-flight experimentations : one devoted to reentry technologies, the Pre-X hypersonic glider, and an in-flight testbed FLEX (Future Launcher Experiment) that addresses the set of technologies related to System design of an Advanced Launch System. This paper concentrates on that latter project. FLEX Phase 0 started in autumn 2005 with evaluating the set of objectives of FLEX and defining the Reference Mission and Vehicle Architecture that fit as closely as possible. This phase is jointly conducted by TSNIIMASH and ASTRIUM Space Transportation together with SNECMA for liquid propulsion topics and DASSAULT Aviation for aeronautic Systems. A Concept Selection Review held in April 2006, selected 2 concepts: A Large Size version, VLH concept, with vertical launch from ground + VULCAIN 2 engine (LOX/LH2) or with tri-ergol engine + aircraft-like end-of-mission, and a Mid Size version, LLC concept, air launched + NK-39 engine (LOX/Kerosene) + aircraft-like end-of-mission. For these concepts, preliminary Design Activities & System Loop were started right after the CSR with a priority given to the VLH concept, as propulsion datas are readily available on the VULCAIN 2. This paper presents status of the system loop and preliminary definition of these concepts.