Project description
Leading the way, metaphorically and practically
Space systems are notoriously expensive, requiring years of research, development and testing along with high-tech materials and electronics that withstand the harsh working environments to which they are exposed. The ability to retrieve and reuse components is critical to enhancing sustainability and competitiveness for both governments and commercial endeavours. Reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) that can survive both launch and re-entry are a key priority to reduce the cost of access to space, and only a few are in use globally. Advancing the EU’s leadership position in space entrepreneurship and exploration, the EU-funded FALCon project is progressing the technological readiness of in-air capturing to bring the EU's advanced RLV home for continued service.
Objective
The key-objective of the FALCon-project is raising the TRL of the advanced RLV-stage return mode using the “in-air-capturing”-procedure from currently at approximately 3 at least beyond 4, approaching a TRL of 5.
This ambitious goal can be reached by successfully addressing the following subtasks:
1. In-flight demonstration of “in-air-capturing/mid-air-retrieval”-technologies with subscale vehicles while as far as possible approaching the relevant flight environment and conditions.
2. Developing the necessary sensors and integrating their data and software to be used in-flight for an autonomous successful and rapid connection of the two stages.
3. Establishing an accurate 6DOF-simulation environment both for the planned flight tests as well as for the future full-scale “in-air-capturing”-application.
4. A sound assessment of the in-air-capturing”-launch cost reduction potential by identifying suitable large-scale capturing aircraft and evaluating the necessary modification effort considering regulatory issues.
5. Studying in parallel alternative RLV-return modes under similar assumptions for reliable assessment of the potential benefits.
6. Proposing a European development roadmap, first up to TRL of 6 and then estimating the effort for reaching the full-scale operational system with TRL of 9. This task is to be iterated jointly with the European stakeholders in agencies and industry.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences software
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering aircraft
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.2.1.6. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies – Space
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.2.1.6.1. - Enabling European competitiveness, non-dependence and innovation of the European space sector
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
RIA - Research and Innovation action
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-SPACE-2018-2020
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
51147 KOLN
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.