Mid-Air Retrieval technology for returning of reusable launch vehicles' boosters

Abstract

The multilateral analysis of reusable launch vehicles (RLV) has been carried out by the authors' team within 8 years. The studies are based on the world experience and also on the large practical experience of Khrunichev Space Center in designing, production, and operation of aerospacecraft (incuding reentry one). The analysis results are monosemantic and are the following: The only one feasible principle for the nearest future is a mid-air retrieval (MAR), which will permit potentially the creation of the effective RLV. For practical realization of the results obtained, the authors in cooperation with M. L. Mil's Moscow Helicopter Plant (MHP) and “Parachute Design” Scientific Institute have developed the launch vehicles' booster MAR technology (including the structure and principles of main elements formation). The general conclusions of the mar technology are the following: (i) it can be realized with a minimal technical risk at the earliest time (2-3 years); (ii) it can be applied to the existing expendable launch vehicles (ELV) and can be easily adapted to different launch vehicles; (iii) it can be demonstrated at minimal costs and time; and (iν) it permits the creation of the most economically effective RLV (budget savings will be up to 30% and in case of using a special operation technology, the savings can attain 41.5%).