Semireusable launch vehicle: A next-generation launch vehicle?

Advanced launch systems studies are ongoing at MAN Technologie AG, Karlsfeld, Germany, contributing to a broader European effort that is examining options for the next space transportation system to be developed there. One promising candidate that uses medium-term technologies is a vertical takeoff semireusalale launch vehicle featuring a reusable booster and an expendable core stage. The dedicated design of fully cryogenic stages enables the launch vehicle concept to bring up to geostationary transfer orbit a payload mass of up to 10 Mg and a low-Earth-orbit mass of 20 Mg. The total liftoff mass is about 520 Mg. This launch vehicle concept proposal could culminate in a fully reusable launch vehicle, a booster and an orbiter stage, for Europe in the long term. The status of the studied launch vehicle concept is summarized. The design features and trade topics leading to the semireusable launch vehicle concept are shown. The selected semireusable launch vehicle is presented as a viable interim step between existing expendable launch vehicles and fully reusable launch vehicles.