Conceptual studies and technology requirements for a new generation of European launchers

The European Space Agency has initiated in 1994 the Future European Space Transportation Investigations Programme (FESTIP) to identify which launcher concepts are most likely to become the first reusable or semi-reusable systems to be technically feasible and economically viable for Europe. The FESTIP programme also includes the start of technology work in key areas to enable the development of such launchers. Taking into account the specific European needs, a status report is presented at system level of the comparison made between possible concepts, which are all dimensioned to respond to the same requirements and design rules. The corresponding technology requirements are identified and first results of the technology development efforts are presented. A logic is proposed for the progressive acquisition and demonstration in Europe of the enabling technologies required in preparation for the possible development of a new generation of European launchers. (C) 1998 European Space Agency. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.