Fin actuation, thrust vector control and landing leg mechanisms design for the RETALT VTVL launcher

Abstract

To foster the competitiveness of the European industry in the global launcher market, the need arose to build up the necessary know-how on state-of-the-art vertical take-off vertical landing (VTVL) concepts and corresponding technologies. In the EU Horizon 2020 project RETALT (RETro propulsion Assisted Landing Technologies), the VTVL approach applying retro propulsion is investigated for two-stage-to-orbit (TSTO) and single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) reusable launch vehicles, these configurations are named RETALT1 and RETALT2. In the project framework investigation of both reference configurations is performed in several areas: aerodynamics, aerothermodynamics, flight dynamics and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), as well as thermal protection and structures and mechanisms. Focusing on solutions for the RETALT 1 launch vehicle, Almatech contributes with the design of mechanisms to actuate the aerodynamic controls surfaces, retain and deploy the landing legs and provide means to dissipate energy during touch-down. Demonstrators of these mechanism are also built during the project. In addition to the above activities, Almatech proposes thrust vectoring solutions. This paper presents an overview of these activities and results obtained so far.