Project description
A new era of interoperability and efficiency in space exploration
The surge in private small launchers in Europe highlights a critical challenge: 99.99 % of a launcher's lifespan is spent on the ground, significantly impacting costs. With launches representing only a fraction of total launcher lifespan, ground segment capital and operational expenses become crucial. The EU-funded Eu-BEST project addresses this by offering standardised ground segment services to launchers, reducing costs. Eu-BEST focuses on developing and operating an interoperable, modular and mobile test bench for rocket engines and stages, serving multiple launchers across various locations and development phases, ensuring uniform user experiences. With up to 500 kN capability and 200 tests annually at EUR 25 000 each, Eu-BEST pioneers a unique engine testing facility, poised to elevate Europe’s space transportation and ground technologies.
Objective
In 2030, there will be several private small launchers in activity in Europe, with a higher launch rate than A6 and Vega C.
99.99% of the launcher life is spent on the ground, the flight period is a tiny part of his life. With launcher reusability the major factor of cost for space transportation will be the ground segment CAPEX and OPEX. Among ground activities, there will be hundreds of engines and stages tests per year, covering all the launcher life cycle phases : qualification, production, reuse.
Our consortium think there is a place for a new business model where standardized ground segment services are sold to launchers, in place of letting them invest and operate their own specific facilities, which represent a high cost.
To do so, we propose to work on two main axis: horizontality and verticality. Horizontally means that our solutions allow, for a given launcher, to have equivalent user experiences and services for all life cycle needs, thanks to mobile and modular ground means. Vertical interoperability means that our solutions allow, for a given location and life phase, to propose an equivalent experience and service for different launchers.
Several such interoperable facilities may be exploited across Europe and even worldwide. Europe is then capable to become a leader of interoperability implementation, it is of prime importance for future space exploration and exploitation where interoperability is a key.
The Eu-BEST will be used to
- test rocket engines from different manufacturers
- test rocket stages from different manufacturers
The targeted performances are:
- up to 500kN
-200 tests per year
- 25k€ per test
Such engine testing facility doesn’t exist in the world. It will significantly strengthen European space transportation capabilities and put Europe at the forefront of ground technologies for launchers.
To achieve those functional and performances targets, Eu-BEST concept relies on interoperability, modularity, and virtual commissioning.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation ActionsCoordinator
68057 Mulhouse Cedex
France