European orbit transfer and servicing vehicle approaches (survey)

For the establishment and maintenance of a space segment, an Orbit Transfer and Servicing Vehicle (OTSV) is required for operational and economical reasons - as an important element of an emerging in-orbit infrastructure. Therefore, a survey is given reviewing the different European alternatives elaborated so far. Considering the primary requirements and a time horizon between 1995 and 2010 as characterized by the US-Space Station, launchers like the Shuttle and ARIANE 5, the European COLUMBUS-scenario and a future European return vehicle for example like HERMES, it became obvious that the OTSV is required for the up to now missing link in an evolvingEuropean in-orbit infrastructure. Modular as well as integrated, unmanned and manned orbital transfer and services vehicles are the main optional candidates for a future (stepwise emerging) OTSV layout. The presented OTSV-examples are conceived for the specific European requirements as defined in particular by the COLUMBUS unmanned and manned elements, but a broader international co-operation in space should be initiated or maintained also. The appearance of an unmanned OTSV as the first step is envisaged for mid 1994.