FALCon · Formation flight for in-Air Launcher 1st stage Capturing demonstration

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.