| Popis: |
While Ariane 6 and Vega-C are about to being fielded and entering operations, CNES and Arianegroup are already actively preparing next generation of European launchers. With the PROMETHEUS oxygen/methan engine starting subsystems testing in 2018, and the CALLISTO experimental reusable vehicle about to complete Preliminary Design, engineering work has been initiated for next step on the European roadmap: THEMIS. THEMIS is both a demonstrator and a prototype of a low cost and reusable first stage, meant as the centrepiece of future Ariane architectures. It is intended to feature PROMETHEUS and will build upon technologies and lessons learned from the CALLISTO programme. Several challenges lie ahead for THEMIS, with two highlights: meeting an aggressive cost targets consistent with the 50% launch cost cut sought beyond Ariane 6, and keeping a swift tempo for getting THEMIS ready well before 2025. To address those challenges, a specific initiative was undertaken by CNES and Arianegroup, under codename ArianeWorks: combining both a \"Skunkworks like\" approach and an open-innovation platform, ArianeWorks is tasked with getting the project done quicker and bolder than through a conventional organization. The paper will discuss the system engineering approach adopted for THEMIS design, by identifying and then allocating technical objectives related to Ariane 6 evolution/Ariane NEXT between CALLISTO and different sized THEMIS options. Then, the early hardware/testing \"agile\" development process will be detailed, with an aim at speeding up design iterations and technology maturations. Subsequently, the paper will introduce the initial architecture choices and technological ambitions attached to THEMIS, together with the trade-off to be performed during the first 6 months of the project. |
