Introducing Adeline - A Revolutionary Leap in Reusable Rocketry
Imagine a rocket that not only soars into the sky with a thunderous roar but elegantly glides back to Earth, ready for another thrilling journey among the stars. Enter Adeline (Advanced Expendable Launcher with Innovative engine Economy), a groundbreaking concept brought to life by the brilliant minds at Airbus Defence and Space. This audacious vision aims to redefine the boundaries of space travel by harnessing the power of drone technology to achieve horizontal runway landings - an awe-inspiring spectacle that is sure to leave space enthusiasts in absolute awe!
At the core of this visionary concept lies a rocket booster like no other. Equipped with propeller engines and cutting-edge avionics, it promises to be more than just a disposable first-stage component. Adeline's true genius lies in its ability to gracefully touch down on a runway, post-launch, only to be lovingly refurbished and sent off on yet another exhilarating adventure.
As the fiery launch propels the stage forward, the engine module knows its fate and bravely bids farewell, preparing for the daring descent. Here's where Adeline unleashes its wings - tiny, yet potent winglets that nimbly guide the booster towards its coveted runway destination. Thrilling, isn't it?
As the runway looms closer, the tension builds; this is the moment when the landing gear springs into action, providing the stability needed for a picture-perfect horizontal landing. To add a touch of ingenuity, two small pusher configuration propellers join the ensemble, lending that extra oomph to the landing. Talk about elegance and power wrapped into one!
Now, let's talk economics. Adeline has an ace up its sleeve. By reusing a whopping 80% of the stage's economic value - encompassing the engine, avionics, and propulsion bay - it stands as a beacon of sustainability and cost-effectiveness. SpaceX, though impressive with its vertical landing feats, does not escape the taxing stresses their booster engines endure during deceleration. Adeline, on the other hand, gracefully glides and only requires a modest 2,000 kg of fuel for a geostationary flight back to the ground. Compare that to the estimated 35,000 kg needed for a SpaceX booster's return to the launch site. Mind-blowing, right?
Now, fuel might be a mere fraction of the overall launch cost, but it's a game-changer for Adeline. The beauty lies in the reduction of launch costs, ranging from 21-40%. However, the catch lies in the payload capacity, which could diminish from 8,300 kg to 5,500 kg with this approach. But fret not, as the true cost advantage emerges when ferrying payloads much lower than the rocket's lift potential. Unleash the unused lift capacity, and voila! Extra fuel to recycle the rocket and unlock new realms of possibilities.
You might wonder where this marvel will find its niche. Fear not, for the future is ripe with potential. Adeline could seamlessly integrate into the evolution of Ariane 6 or any liquid-fueled rocket. Talk about versatility!
Embarking on this interstellar journey was no easy feat. Airbus commenced this ambitious program in 2010, investing a staggering €15 million by May 2015 to refine the art of reusability. Scale models took flight, fueling the dream of a reusable rocket future. As Ariane 6 takes center stage in Airbus's development priorities, Adeline awaits her turn to shine.
Of course, with every bold venture, there are skeptics lurking in the shadows. In 2018, an official from the CNES launcher directorate expressed doubts about the concept's financial viability. But remember, history has shown that audacious visions often take time to win over skeptics and blaze new trails.
