/sci/ - Science & Math

>>15198355
The current project , dubbed the Star-H,
aims to establish as realistic as possible a database concerning launch vehicles with air breathing propulsion . The concept considered in the first phase of study was a relatively conservative one ,
but one that was intended to be feasible with the technologies at hand at the end of the coming decade , chiefly developed for Hermes.
- the first stage has air breathing propulsion designed by SNECMA/SEP/ONERA,
- the second, throw-away stage uses a cryogenic engine derived from the HM60/Vulcain , propelling an orbital vehicle

With turbo-rocket engines,this vehicle wouldweight 400 tonnes at take off.The first stage weighs140 tonnes empty and carries 140 tonnes of propellant (LH2 and LOX). The second stage and orbiter together weigh 120 tonnes at separation and carry 90 tonnes of propellant (also LH2 and LOX).
The main technical problems have been analyzed on a basic project of this type and have revealed the technologies needed,in particular as concerns the structure and the integration of the propulsion.

1989, National Aerospace Plane Conference - French space plane research, from Hermes to transatmospheric vehicles