Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Eu-BEST (European Bench for Engine and Stage Testing)
Reporting period: 2023-11-01 to 2025-01-31
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.
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.
During the first period, we focused on defining the operating requirements for the project part as well as for the operation part. A certain number of technical points allowed us to pass the revised preliminary definition milestone (PDR), and we have just completed the detailed design review (CDR) stage. We can now begin procurement and finalize the few points raised during the CDR.
In parallel, the activities of defining the business model as well as the list of services that could be offered were started, these activities will evolve during the second period.
Also during this period, works on safety, security and regulations have begun and the first results regarding safety distances, ATEX zones and requirements and specific constraints imposed by the airport environment have been obtained. During the next period, these works will continue on the matter of security requirements, blast-proof walls and personnel certifications needed.
The bench's design led to a modular breakdown:
• a horizontal mechanical box: for securing the equipment to be tested
• fluid boxes: one for the LOX supply and one for LCH4
• an interface and measurement box
• a box for the hypervisor
The mechanical box must allow the mounting of an engine weighing more than 1200 kg and with a diameter of 3.5 meters.
In addition to the real-world test bench, we offer a virtual solution that will limit the duration of real-world testing. This operation involves the integration of a digital twin.
In parallel, the activities of defining the business model as well as the list of services that could be offered were started, these activities will evolve during the second period.
Also during this period, works on safety, security and regulations have begun and the first results regarding safety distances, ATEX zones and requirements and specific constraints imposed by the airport environment have been obtained. During the next period, these works will continue on the matter of security requirements, blast-proof walls and personnel certifications needed.
The bench's design led to a modular breakdown:
• a horizontal mechanical box: for securing the equipment to be tested
• fluid boxes: one for the LOX supply and one for LCH4
• an interface and measurement box
• a box for the hypervisor
The mechanical box must allow the mounting of an engine weighing more than 1200 kg and with a diameter of 3.5 meters.
In addition to the real-world test bench, we offer a virtual solution that will limit the duration of real-world testing. This operation involves the integration of a digital twin.
This section will be later completed for the final report.