The success probability of a space launch is guaranteed by propellant reserves. The upper-stage reserve represents a direct performance penalty because it reduces the maximum payload mass that can be injected on orbit by the launcher. The usual process consists of successively optimizing the trajectory for nominal conditions, and then assessing the necessary reserves to face the flight uncertainties. This process may yield large reserves when the trajectory is sensitive to the upper-stage features. A simple method is proposed to account for the upper-stage reserve directly within the trajectory optimization process. It results in a less sensitive nominal trajectory and, finally, a better guaranteed performance of the launcher. The method is illustrated on a classical launch trajectory optimization.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Launcher Performance with Reserves


    Contributors:
    Cerf, Max (author)

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2018-11-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    LAUNCHER

    SACHENOK ALEKSEJ NIKOLAEVICH | European Patent Office | 2018

    Free access

    Small Orbital Launcher, Performance Evaluation

    Chelaru, Teodor Viorel ;Chelaru, Adrian | Trans Tech Publications | 2016


    Launcher Flight Performance Reconstruction Method

    Lecardonnel, L. / Augros, P. / International Astronomical Federation | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1998


    Aircraft Launcher

    M. Siegel | NTIS | 1978


    Elastomeric Launcher

    L. C. Bissonnette | NTIS | 1992