Basis for a methodology for roadmaps generation for hypersonic and re-entry space transportation systems

Abstract This paper presents the very first steps of a methodology aimed at supporting the generation and update of technology roadmaps developed in close cooperation between Politecnico di Torino and the European Space Agency, here focusing on the map elements derivation and characterization in order to simplify the activities that will follow. Roadmapping activities are becoming crucial in several domains dealing with complex systems as well as an urgent demand of a rational process starting from the identification of Stakeholders and relative needs and leading the growth of technology readiness levels has been noticed. This research study seems to be suitable for application in the advanced transportation domain, especially in the aeronautical and aerospace sectors. In detail, this paper proposes a rational generation of a series of elements that can potentially be involved in the definition of technological roadmaps for re-entry space transportation systems. Indeed, today, there is an important momentum, at national and institutional level, on studying/developing demonstrators and/or experimental new vehicles and propulsion systems targeting different kinds of missions, all around the world but especially at European Space Agency level. After a brief overview of the major activities related to reusable space transportation system carried out in Europe, the paper focuses on the proposed Systems Engineering based methodology for the generation and combination of the main four pillars (i.e. elements) involved in a roadmap: i.e. Operational Capabilities, Technology Areas, Building Blocks and Mission Concepts. These elements will be derived, characterized and stored according to the future planning needs. The second part of the paper presents the application of this logical methodology to the selected case study, to derive, track and manage the previous pillars. The paper concludes anticipating the following steps that will lead to the technology roadmaps preparation based on the methodology described here. Moreover, the exploitation of a well-defined methodology can allow reaching optimal development strategy, minimizing costs and enhancing the public consensus with respect to space initiatives.