Author Topic: Space Rider  (Read 39795 times)

Offline TrevorMonty

Space Rider
« on: 11/26/2016 07:28 pm »
This is followed on project to IXV test vehicle and will result in operational reusable space vehicle. Will give ESA something equivalent to X37 but cheaper to launch and more useful as it can do few different  roles.
1) ISS return cargo transport.
2) Free flyer for experiments or payloads.
3) Satellite servicing and retrieval.


Launched with VEGAC/VEGAC+ andinjected in Circular LEO orbit.
Target orbit for system sizing: ISS (400 km –52deg) !
InOrbitoperational phase mission duration longer than 2 months !
Payloadmasslarger than 450 kg andpayload volumelarger than 0.8 !
Precision ground landing allowing fast payload recovery time.
Main landing site European. !
System reusability with minimum refurbishment for 6 missions. !
Maximization of IXV heritage !
Exploitation of synergy with VEGA system in terms of technologies development commonalities
(My copy and paste didn't work to well hence poor format)



https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.cesmamil-hypersonic.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/35.1-SPACE-RIDER-the-Reusable-Orbital-Re-entry-Vehicle-for-Europe-Massobrio-Rufolo.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwjI5bPJn8fQAhWFmJQKHUoND_gQFghSMAw&usg=AFQjCNF-BC8N9f5aqM1gk-DeNgUDU7g_ng&sig2=Gi8UKj5xqbXtVbOHdfXMDA

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/uk/news/press-releases/2016-press-releases/work-begins-on-pioneering-european-spacecraft.html


http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Ministerial_Council_2016/Launcher_Programmes
« Last Edit: 11/26/2016 07:47 pm by TrevorMonty »

Offline sdsds

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #1 on: 11/26/2016 11:34 pm »
Some context (emphasis added):

Press Release
N°42-2016

Paris, 14 November

Media backgrounder: ESA’s Ministerial 2016 in Lucerne

[...]

Goal: foster a globally competitive European space sector
Target amount: €1.5 billion 

Concerted measures that foster the European space sector into becoming wholly competitive in the global market are also about enabling and implementing new cooperation methods between traditional, new and emerging actors, about new working methods
in line with Industry 4.0 and about pushing for a self-sustaining and commercially competitive European space industrial base open and easily accessible to other European sectors, which it helps to make profitable.

This calls for broadening the base of industrial actors through the emergence of new players, including small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), calls for implementing public–private partnerships (PPPs) in areas in which these have to date seen
only public financing, calls for clearer and stronger connections between the space and non-space sectors to allow for spin-ins and –offs, and for complementary activities.

ESA intends to address all of the above by:
•supporting the growth and networking of SMEs, through the SME Initiative, which helps to widen the base of actors and increase the dynamic nature of the space field;
•extending PPPs to the Earth observation area through InCubed (Earth Watch) to stimulate Europe’s Earth observation industry to develop innovative technologies and services for commercialisation in the new Space 4.0 environment;
•stimulating the first European commercial partnership(s) in space exploration, drawing on the group of innovative ideas already proposed by industry through commercial partnerships within the European Exploration Envelope Programme (E3P);
•coordinating space technology planning of ESA, EU and Member States with industry and other stakeholders through the establishment of technology roadmaps through technology harmonisation;
•providing support to the establishment and maintenance of standards for the space sector through standardisation;
•preparing future initiatives and developing competitive technologies and products for telecommunication and thus directly supporting industry competitiveness through the Future Preparation and Core Competitiveness Elements;
•providing extended geographical coverage and service enhancement of the European Data Relay Satellite System (EDRS), currently under development and opening new market opportunities for optical communication technologies, through the continuation
of the EDRS-GlobeNet programme;
•developing optical communication technologies to address future markets with ScyLight, which will also address quantum scamgraphy and other new applications;
•supplying a validated satellite-based communication solution for the European Air Traffic Management System, through Iris;
•supporting and enabling the development, qualification and demonstration in orbit of next-generation platform lines, allowing European prime satellite integrators already established in the 
3–6 tonne launch mass segment to address future satellite operators’ needs through Neosat;
•supporting the development, launch and validation in orbit of a satellite system based on an innovative geostationary platform in the 3 tonne launch mass range, using all-electric propulsion for transfer to geostationary orbit and for stationkeeping,
through Electra;
•supporting the design and development of the innovative elements that will contribute to an optimised delivery of future mobile satellite communication services, through ICE, Inmarsat Communications Evolution project;
•supporting the development, launch and validation in orbit of an innovative Ka- and V-band satellite system, through Lynxsat;
•supporting European satellite ground segment industry to develop, validate and roll out innovative ground segment solutions, through Aidan;
•supporting the development of streamlined microsatellites towards reduced recurring cost for serial production by supporting space-based tracking of seafaring vessels beyond coastal areas that are equipped with AIS (Automatic Identification System)
tracking devices through SAT-AIS missions and other applications and by addressing other opportunities offered by small LEO constellations high-performance ship detection capabilities;
•facilitating the transfer of technologies and knowhow developed at ESA into diverse non-space fields (spin-off) and supporting the local Business Incubator Centres in Member States, through the Technology Transfer and Incubation Programme (TTP); 
•preparing Europe for independent routine access and return from LEO with a reusable system able to transport payloads for several different applications through Space Rider (based on Vega C), and activities involving Dream Chaser (based on Ariane
64);
•providing low-cost launch services for light and small satellites based on Ariane 6 and Vega with the Light satellite, Low-cost Launch (LLL) initiative.
[...]
— 𝐬𝐝𝐒𝐝𝐬 —

Offline Alpha_Centauri

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #2 on: 12/02/2016 12:55 pm »
Alive, kinda; https://www.twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/804682234569588736

Quote
CM16 the #IXV follow-on #SpaceRider has received 43 mil. euro funding upto CDR (funding more then 60% reached) launch in 2020/2021

Offline TrevorMonty

Re: Space Rider
« Reply #3 on: 12/02/2016 02:00 pm »
Space Rider has overcome the most critical step in its development FUNDING. 


Peter B. de Selding (@pbdes) tweeted at 3:12 AM on Sat, Dec 03, 2016:
ESA's Neuenschwander: We got needed EUR 32M for IXV-based Space Rider reusable microgravity vehicle, gets us to CDR; cld fly 2021.#ESACM16
« Last Edit: 12/02/2016 02:01 pm by TrevorMonty »

Online FutureSpaceTourist

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #4 on: 06/02/2017 10:07 am »
Quote
DutchSpace‏ @DutchSpace 8m8 minutes ago

Ohh, i'm liking this updated image..... #SpaceRider #IXV

https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/870580003406315520

Offline Rik ISS-fan

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #5 on: 06/07/2017 09:22 am »
I really like the simplicity of the spacerider design. Just take the AVUM+ upperstage, integrate a solar power generation system and you have the orbital maneuvering system for SpaceRider.
It also looks like they are going to use the same configuration as IXV. (only replacing the parashute recovery system with a payload bay, and switching to land landing.

I wonder what other uses ESA/ASI/AVIO can come up with for the AVUM+ with power generation system!?
Let's hope for the best for the SpaceRider program.

Offline AlexA

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #6 on: 06/07/2017 10:44 am »
The Cesmamil-Hypersonic.org website has shut down. Attaching a copy of the pdf here.

Offline calapine

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #7 on: 06/22/2017 07:32 pm »
ESA aims to privatize Space Rider unmanned spaceplane by 2025

Excerpt:
Quote

LE BOURGET, FRANCE — Although Europe’s Space Rider reusable spaceplane is three years or so from its debut, the European Space Agency is already making plans to privatize the unmanned orbital vehicle.

By 2025, ESA officials said, Space Rider could be operating commercially, flying science payloads and bringing them back to Earth for roughly $9,200 per kilogram.

Arianespace, the Evry, France-based launch services provider, would likely serve as Space Rider’s operator, offering industry and government customers the opportunity to fill the spaceplane 800-kilogram payload capacity with microgravity science, materials testing, telecommunications and robotics demonstrations.

<--- SNIP---> [more at Spacenews.com]

Full article at: http://spacenews.com/esa-aims-to-privatize-space-rider-unmanned-spaceplane-by-2025/

Offline gongora

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #8 on: 06/25/2017 03:10 pm »
How could Space Rider operate commercially if they're charging less than $10k/kg of payload?  Wouldn't it need to charge more than 5 times that much?

Offline Rik ISS-fan

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #9 on: 06/25/2017 09:27 pm »
How could Space Rider operate commercially if they're charging less than $10k/kg of payload?  Wouldn't it need to charge more than 5 times that much?

Most basic 1U volume rideshare service. Cube up and down, passive payload.
Add power and date for more advanced payloads and you can multiply the cost possibly an order of magnitude.
I guess the cost per mission (800kg payload) is in the order of 50-100mln.

Offline Xentry

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #10 on: 06/26/2017 05:59 pm »
How could Space Rider operate commercially if they're charging less than $10k/kg of payload?  Wouldn't it need to charge more than 5 times that much?

Most basic 1U volume rideshare service. Cube up and down, passive payload.
Add power and date for more advanced payloads and you can multiply the cost possibly an order of magnitude.
I guess the cost per mission (800kg payload) is in the order of 50-100mln.

Last I heard, the target recurring cost (incl. launcher) is well below $50m. Unfortunately, even with a highly reusable airframe, the relatively high launch cost and the expendable AVUM+ stage will always preclude costs from falling below $30m/flight...

Offline john smith 19

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #11 on: 09/01/2017 11:40 am »
The figure I got when I googled was $40K/Kg, that's $32m for an 800Kg payload (is that figure current ?)

Until I was checking some stuff related to IXV I had no idea this programme existed.  :o
 Now it looks like it's going to launch within 5 years.
MCT ITS BFR SS. The worlds first Methane fueled FFSC engined CFRP SS structure A380 sized aerospaceplane tail sitter capable of Earth & Mars atmospheric flight.First flight to Mars by end of 2022 TBC. T&C apply. Trust nothing. Run your own #s "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof" R. Simberg."Competitve" means cheaper ¬cheap SCramjet proposed 1956. First +ve thrust 2004. US R&D spend to date > $10Bn. #deployed designs. Zero.

Offline john smith 19

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #12 on: 09/02/2017 10:35 am »
Found this updated description from ESA

http://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/space_transportation/Space_Rider_factsheet_HiRes_ok.pdf

This lists the countries involved and that the payload for the reference mission is now 800Kg in a volume of 0.8m^3
MCT ITS BFR SS. The worlds first Methane fueled FFSC engined CFRP SS structure A380 sized aerospaceplane tail sitter capable of Earth & Mars atmospheric flight.First flight to Mars by end of 2022 TBC. T&C apply. Trust nothing. Run your own #s "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof" R. Simberg."Competitve" means cheaper ¬cheap SCramjet proposed 1956. First +ve thrust 2004. US R&D spend to date > $10Bn. #deployed designs. Zero.

Offline calapine

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #13 on: 10/01/2017 08:10 pm »
From EUCASS2017, found something that should be right up Rik ISS-fan's alley  ;) (and others too of course, it's an interesting read)

"AEROSHAPE TRADE-OFF AND AERODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF THE SPACE-RIDER VEHICLE"





Direct link: https://www.eucass.eu/doi/EUCASS2017-416.pdf

Offline Oli

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #14 on: 10/02/2017 01:03 am »
From EUCASS2017, found something that should be right up Rik ISS-fan's alley  ;) (and others too of course, it's an interesting read)

Thanks. Looks like a clear win for the (fin-less) lifting body. They really do hate wings...

Offline Rik ISS-fan

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #15 on: 10/02/2017 05:37 pm »
Thanks Calapine, it was an interesting document indeed.
To me it's not at all surprising that the IXV (with small wings) is favored. The spacerider is the continuation of the IXV project, Italy is the main funder of this project, they also backed IXV the most.

This document only studied vehicles launched underneath a payload fairing. I wonder how the preference changes when launching without fairing.
If I'm not mistaken, SpaceRider will launch on Vega-C or Ariane 62; IXV launched on Vega.
All three launchers have different fairing diameters (Vega 2.6m, Vega-C 3.3m, A62 5.4m outer diameter)
The baseline is a reuse of the IXV vehicle shape, so I wonder if they are going to use the Vega fairing on Vega-C when launching SpaceRider or if they are going to use the larger fairing. The advantaged of using the smaller fairing is that it weights less so the vehicle mass might be higher.
When using the larger fairing a lot of volume won't be used.

I forgot to add that this IXV configuration might also be usefull for a reusable upperstage / space vehicle. (Like BFR)
« Last Edit: 10/02/2017 05:40 pm by Rik ISS-fan »

Offline Notaris

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #16 on: 10/05/2017 01:30 pm »

If I'm not mistaken, SpaceRider will launch on Vega-C or Ariane 62; IXV launched on Vega.
All three launchers have different fairing diameters (Vega 2.6m, Vega-C 3.3m, A62 5.4m outer diameter)
The baseline is a reuse of the IXV vehicle shape, so I wonder if they are going to use the Vega fairing on Vega-C when launching SpaceRider or if they are going to use the larger fairing. The advantaged of using the smaller fairing is that it weights less so the vehicle mass might be higher.
When using the larger fairing a lot of volume won't be used.


SpaceRider will launch on Vega-C (with an adapted AVUM as kind of an orbital module). Neither Vega nor A62 is foreseen. The Vega-C fairing will be used, simply because that will be the only fairing qualified for the launcher. A different fairing would require a system qualification loop (different aerodynamics with impact on guidance laws). That is also the point why IXV was and SpaceRider will be launched under the fairing: The use of a qualified launcher configuration.

Offline bolun

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #17 on: 12/02/2017 06:46 pm »
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/Vega_Evolution_preparation_and_Space_Rider_development

Quote
ESA signed two contracts today with Italy’s ELV and Thales Alenia Space to extend Europe’s Vega space system capabilities and competitiveness, and develop Space Rider for payload return capability.

Quote
... Thales Alenia Space and ELV will complete the detailed mission and system design up to the Critical Design Review for Space Rider.

The Space Rider space transportation system will be integrated with Vega-C, combining an Orbital Service Module derived from a Vega-C AVUM and a reentry module derived from the Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV) demonstrator flown in 2015 on Vega.

It will provide Europe with an affordable reusable platform for routine access and return from space, with payloads capacity up to 800 kg to an array of orbit altitudes and inclinations for multiple applications such as advanced microgravity, in-orbit demonstration and validation for Earth observation, science, telecommunication and robotic exploration. 

Quote
The contract for Space Rider activities worth €36.7 million was signed by ESA Director of Space Transportation Daniel Neuenschwander, Thales Alenia Space Vice President Domain Exploration and Science Walter Cugno, and ELV Managing Director Andrea Preve at ESA headquarters in Paris.

Image credit: ESA

Offline Rik ISS-fan

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #18 on: 12/04/2017 03:36 pm »
I think the SpaceRider contract is for the preliminary design, the full development of SpaceRider will most likely be one of the projects asking for funding during the 2018 ministerial conference. 
SpaceRider will most likely be used to test and demonstrate new technologies in space. IOD (In Orbit Demonstration) should reduce the time and risk of marketing new space/satellite technologies. Examples are:
- faster space computers, 
- faster larger SSD's,
- new green in orbit propulsion (ion/electric, mono and bipropalent)
- smaller star- and sunsensors,
- new sensors/ different measuring technologies.
- (A specific one) new atomic clocks for Gallileo Gen2
IOD can be done using the ISS, dedicated demonstrator satellites (cubesats), hosted payloads and space test vehicles like SpaceRider and DreamChaser. You could see SpaceRider as a reusable satellite bus, testing new systems, payloads and sensors each time it launches. Cubesat/microsat deployment is a option, but it's a expansive ride (2.2mT launch for 0.8mT payload), a normal rideshare is far cheaper.
SpaceRider can also be used for experiments that are to dangerous for the ISS. This could be the 5th facility for doing microgravity science,  besides: drop towers, parabola planes, sounding rockets(New Sheperd) and the ISS (LEO science station). In my oppinion science and research in microgravity is the third most importent activity in space, after Comsats and EarthObservation. I think Space exploration is far less importent than the former three activities, but human space exploration requires by far the largest budget.
I realy hope ARTES and Galileo will also include a hosted payload component.

Let's also add that I'm curious how  SpaceRider will be implemented on Vega-E. Possibly they could use the same equipment for a modified version of AVUM and the VUS upper-stage. Another option is including the upperstage functionality in SpaceRider (solar array and propulsion system). A third option as a expendable propulsion and power generation module.
« Last Edit: 12/04/2017 04:11 pm by Rik ISS-fan »

Offline bolun

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Re: Space Rider
« Reply #19 on: 12/04/2017 08:01 pm »
http://www.avio.com/en/press-release/contracts-signed-with-esa-to-develop-vega-e-and-space-rider/

From avio's press release

Quote
Today, Avio signed two contracts with ESA, the European Space Agency, in Paris to develop the Vega E launcher and the Space Rider re-entry vehicle, in line with market expectations. The contracts are worth a total of €89.7 million.

Quote
Space Rider is a re-entry vehicle, the evolution of the IXV (Intermediate Experimental Vehicle, launched by Vega in February 2015), capable of ‘navigating’ up to 2 months in low Earth orbit before returning to earth. Re-entry enables the recovery of all the useful load that can be analysed, and the vehicle to be reused for a new mission. The contract signed by ESA with Avio and TAS-I (Thales Alenia Space Italia) is worth a total of €36.7 million for the development of the Space Rider system, consisting of two modules: AOM (Avum Orbital Module) and RM (Re-entry Module). Avio will handle the development of AOM, a specific version of AVUM (fourth stage of the VEGA C) capable of supplying power and services for controlling the vehicle’s re-entry attitude during the orbital stage.

 

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