This lecture series is organized in the framework of the H2020 FALCon and RRTB projects. The project called FALCon for Formation flight for in-Air Launcher 1st stage Capturing aims to develop a technical concept for a 'rocket catcher' that is as detailed as possible, and to conduct tests using small demonstrators to test autonomous in-flight capture and towing. The RRTB project (Recovery and Return to Base) objectives are to validate the reentry of the first stage of the MESO microlauncher; To study and validate the novel EDF landing system and To develop robust and cost effective reusable structural systems & cryogenic tanks.

This lecture series will give you an overview of the development made on the key technology which is the efficient retrieval of rocket stages after launch, so that they can later be re-used for further launches. Lectures will be given by FALCon and RRTB partners from different work packages and by experts from other research groups working on similar topics focusing on in-air capturing but also other reusability solutions i.e. MESO project.

Programme (UTC+2)

Monday April 25, 2022

08:00 Registration

08:30 Welcome address

09:00 Introduction to the LS and FALCON systems definition and requirements
Martin Sippel, DLR, Germany

10:15 Coffee Break

10:45 Recovery and return to base of the MESO microlauncher
Rasmus Bergstrom, Pangea Aerospace, Spain

12:30 Lunch

14:00 Systematic assessment of RLV return methods
Sven Stappert, DLR, Germany

15:15 Coffee Break

15:45 Piloting the European ecosystem: Reusability and In-air capture for access to space
Jean-Philippe Préaud, ESA, France

17:00 Reception

Tuesday April 26, 2022

09:00 Aerodynamic design including static and dynamic stability analysis
Silvania Lopes, von Karman Institute, Belgium; Sebastien Paris, von Karman Institute, Belgium; Alessandro Zamprotta, Pangea Aerospace, Spain

10:15 Coffee Break

10:45 Sensor data fusion and processing
To be determined

12:30 Lunch

14:00 GNC and sub-scale simulations for IAC, Environment perception flight dynamics
Laurent Gilson, Soft2Tec, Germany; Alexander Funke, DLR, Germany; Sebastian Cain, DLR, Germany

15:15 Coffee Break

15:45 Advances in GNC for re-entry and landing phase of MESO launcher
Giovanni Medici, Deimos Space, Spain and Gabriele de Zaiacomo, Elcnor Deimos, Spain

Wednesday April 27, 2022

09:00 Aerodynamic vehicle design and mission analysis for the re-entry of MESO’s launcher first stage
Giovanni Medici, Deimos Space, Spain and Gabriele de Zaiacomo, Elcnor Deimos, Spain

10:15 Coffee Break

10:45 Full scale simulation of in-air-capturing
Sunayna Singh, DLR, Germany and Madalin Simioana, ASTOS Solutions, Romania

12:30 Lunch

14:00 Overview of the flight demonstrators + test demonstration for in-air capturing
Mario Ferrandiz, Embention, Spain

15:15 Coffee Break

15:45 Industrial interest and experience in-air capturing
To be determined