| Popis: |
The new Sanger space transportation system concept conceived by MBB in 1985 is aiming for essentially reduced launch cost (10–30% of Ariane/Hermes) and full European autonomy by launches from European airports with direct access to the Space Station orbit (LEO, 28.5°). These requirements lead to a two-stage system with a hypersonic first stage using turboramjet propulsion providing the required cruise capability of some 3500 km. The cruise speed is Mach 4.4 with the capability to accelerate to Mach 6.8 before separation of the upper stage. Two different upper stages are foreseen for the different requirements of manned space flight and unmanned payload transportation: a winged manned stage for crew transport and support equipment (HORUS) and an expendable ballistic stage for launch of heavy payloads up to 15 Mg (CARGUS). The Sanger concept is based on maximum commonality of the first stage with a hypersonic passenger aircraft, carrying 230 passengers (business class) over a distance of 10,500 km in 3 h. The paper describes the resulting vehicle configuration, the performance criteria, the technology problems to be solved and the overall programme schedule for the incorporation into the European Space program. |
