MDO approach for a two-stage microlauncher

The paper focuses on the multidisciplinary optimisation and preliminary design of a two-stage microlauncher capable of inserting a small 50 kg payload into Low Earth Orbit. The microlauncher is obtained using a MDO approach, where the lightest configuration capable of reaching the target orbit is considered to be optimal. For this paper, the propulsion system of the microlauncher is based on a non-cryogenic bipropellant combination

Drag coefficient modelling in the context of small launcher optimisation

The purpose of this paper is to present a fast mathematical model that can be used to quickly asses the drag coefficient for generic launcher configurations. The tool developed based on this mathematical model can be used separately or it can be integrated in a multidisciplinary optimisation algorithm for a preliminary microlauncher design

Development of a Three-Dimensional Unstructured Euler Solver for High-Speed Flows

This paper addresses the solution of the compressible Euler equations on hexahedral meshes for supersonic and hypersonic flows. Spatial discretization is accomplished by a cell-centered finite-volume formulation which employs two different upwind schemes for the computation of convective fluxes. Second-order solutions are attained through a linear state reconstruction technique that yields highly resolved flows in smooth regions while providing a sharp and clean resolution of shocks. The solution gradients required for the higher-order spatial discretization are estimated by a least-square method while Venkatakrishnan limiter is employed to preserve monotonicity and avoid oscillations in the presence of shocks. Furthermore, solutions are advanced in time by an explicit third-order Runge-Kutta scheme and convergence to steady state is accelerated using implicit residual smoothing. Flow around a circular arc in a channel and flow past a circular cylinder are studied and results are presented for various Mach numbers together with comparisons to theoretical and experimental data where possible

Flexible Model for Miro-launcher Dynamics

The paper presents aspects regarding flexible model used for describing the dynamics of the three stages micro-launcher. This work analyses transverse flexible oscillations. By the hypotheses adopted, the flexibility problem will be reduced to a group of equations that will be attached to the rigid body model with six degrees of freedom, thus obtaining an elastic model for the launcher. The results analysed will be the flight parameters the launcher, with the influence of the elastic modes considered. The novelty of the paper consists in highlighting the influence of elasticity on the launcher control problem

Wind Influence on Miro-launcher Dynamics Model

The paper presents aspects regarding wind influence in dynamics of the three stages micro-launcher. The work is focus on atmospheric turbulence, with dedicated linear model based on characteristics correlation functions, that can be attached to the rigid body model with six degrees of freedom. The results analyzed will be the flight parameters of the launcher, with the wind influence. The novelty of the paper consists in dedicated wind models developed and their implementation in six degrees of freedom micro-launcher model

Small Innovative Launcher for Europe: Achievement of the H2020 Project SMILE

Today's market for small satellites is expanding, but there is little availability of affordable launches. Launch costs of around €50,000 per kg are required to compete with ride-shares. Hence, production and operation costs are considered essential. Fourteen European companies and institutes have joined forces in a Horizon2020 project called "SMall Innovative Launcher for Europe" (SMILE). The project aims at designing a launcher for satellites of about 50 kg and a European launch facility in northern Norway. Critical technologies on propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing of cost-effective solutions are developed in order to increase the readiness level of a future European launcher