Trade-off Studies in the Concept Definition of the Southern Launch Vehicle

This paper describes some of the many trade offs involved in defining the baseline launch vehicle concept led by Havvker de Havilland. The principal specification is the capability to place a particular payload mass into a given orbit. However to ensure successful commercial development of the vehicle, strict guidelines were agreed in setting project priorities in terms of cost, reliability and performance. The need for a low risk development schedule and to assure affordability mandated the use of key subsystems that were qualified or nearing qualification. Some areas which were addressed, using advanced analysis and simulation tools include trajectory, aerodynamic, aerothermal, control and structural performance. Significant trade studies were underlaken to arrive at a cohesive vehicle concept that could meet both the technical and commercial requirements. In particular the development of key sub systems such as the post boost stage and payload fairing present significant challenges for Australian industry.