A two-stage-to-orbit hypersonic vehicle concept utilizing RBCC propulsion technology

Owning to advantages of taking off flexibly, excellent reusability, safety, reliability, low launch cost and long life time, new-generation space vehicles develop rapidly in recent years in all major space-faring nations, especially in America. As one of the propulsion systems, rocket based combined cycle (RBCC) engine has high specific impulse, high thrust and abilities of accelerating and cruising. Besides, it can work well through a wild envelop of mach numbers and angles of attack. Therefore RBCC is the most perfect propulsion system for new-generation space vehicles. The paper developed a space reusable launch vehicle (SRLV) concept. This SRLV is an unmanned two-stage-to-orbit (TSTO) hypersonic vehicle selecting a wave-rider-like aerodynamic shape. It takes off vertically and lands horizontally, employing five RBCC engines as the primary propulsion system. SRLV is designed to deliver 2000kg payload to 200km×200km Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The payload is carried by an upperstage, which is an expendable two-stage rocket. Firstly, SRLV is boosted by an expendable booster rocket that takes off vertically and is series-wound with SRLV through a connector. Then at the altitude of 12km, 2.5 Mach number, SRLV separates from booster rocket and begins to accelerate and climb till an altitude of 50km and Mach number 8. Finally, the two-stage rocket, which is shunt-wound with SRLV, separates from SRLV and takes payload to LEO. Meanwhile, SRLV flies back and lands horizontally. Details of the conceptual design process used for SRLV were included in the paper. The disciplines included configuration and internal layout, aerodynamics and aero thermal, propulsion, trajectory and mass properties. Each of these disciplines was computed and analyzed and the integrated SRLV concept was formed finally.