Formulation and Experimental design of Reusable launchers through Multiple Investigations (FERMI) : preliminary study of single stage to orbit concept

In this paper, recent trends in design and concept of fully reusable single stage to Orbit Launch vehicle is being studied. As step forwards to developing a generalised formulation with identified limits for launch vehicles especially for small payload class to LEO. The state of the art is based on DLR’s RETALT 2 concept, by using historical formulation detailed mass budget is obtained for the same. Trajectory design, loading conditions have been re-simulated with changes towards obtaining measurable improvements in overall performance of the vehicle. Shortcomings during the preliminary design process is identified from a structural design point of view.