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Austral Launch Vehicle

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Austral Launch Vehicle (ALV) is a concept for a re-usable launch vehicle first stage. It would use fly-back UAV boosters to reduce overall launch costs.

Proponents

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The ALV concept is being developed by Heliaq Advanced Engineering and the University of Queensland from Brisbane, Queensland (Australia).[1] Additional involvement is from the United Kingdom, France and South Africa.[2]

System

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First stage

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The ALV system uses between one and six boosters connected to a core. The boosters each have a V-tail system that, on launch, act as stabilising fins; during the return flight and landing, the V-tail provides directional control. After first stage separation, the boosters coast (ballistic cruise). After re-entry, at around 350 km down range, the wings deploy and the boosters manoeuvre for return flight to the launch site, using a deployable propeller driven by an engine, acting as a large UAV.[1]

Second stage

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The Second Stage core flies on after First Stage booster separation, with the stack. The core separates and returns to the atmosphere and Earth and is not recovered.

Third stage

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After fairing separation, the Third Stage and Payload fly to orbit. Payload separation is as required for the mission. Third Stage deorbits and burns up on entry.

Testing

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Flight tests were scheduled for late in 2015.[2] The first successful flight of the ALV was completed on 23 December 2015.[3]

Associated projects

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b The race is still on for a reusable rocket despite the SpaceX setback, Michael Smart, The Conversation (website), 22 April 2015
  2. ^ a b c The Austral Launch Vehicle: Reducing Space Transportation Cost Through Reusability, Modularity And Simplicity, Adriaan Schutte, 2014 Reinventing Space Conference, 2014
  3. ^ "UQ system set to launch Australia into space". UQ News. 24 December 2015. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
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