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Multistage low-earth-orbit solid rocket conceptual design based on MERS

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Abstract

In this work, we present the integration of a methodology for a conceptual design process of small launcher vehicles. The methodology is based on the study of the state of the art, theoretical calculations and low-order dynamics simulations. The developed tool uses a combined strategy between MERs (Mass estimating relations) and optimization by Lagrange multipliers to compute the required mass and total thrust for each stage according to the mission input data. Once the rocket configuration is calculated, the computational tool solves a flight dynamics model to calculate the trajectory of the rocket and define whether the configuration is feasible and meets the parameters of the objective mission. The methodology is validated using the information of a rocket launcher reported in the literature. Also, a small launcher vehicle is defined using the developed tool, this launcher has the objective to put a payload of 25 kg in a Low-Earth-Orbit.

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Acknowledgements

S. Piedra is grateful for the financing for the development of this project by the AEM-CONACYT Sector Fund under project number 292776. The authors also thanks Prof. Victor Fainstein for his advices during the methodology implementation. S. Piedra thanks the “Investigadoras e Investigadores por Mexico” program from CONACYT.

Funding

This research was funded by Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Grant number 292776.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CONACYT-Centro de Ingeniería y Desarrollo Industrial, Sede aeropuerto. Carretera Estatal 200 Querétaro-Tequisquiapan Km. 23, No. 22547, Colón, Qro., México

    Saul Piedra

  2. Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Mecánica y Eléctrica-Unidad Ticoman, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico, México

    Osvaldo Flores-Espinosa

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  1. Saul Piedra
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Correspondence to Saul Piedra.

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Piedra, S., Flores-Espinosa, O. Multistage low-earth-orbit solid rocket conceptual design based on MERS. CEAS Space J 15, 393–402 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12567-022-00472-x

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