Creation of a set of tools enabling rapid system engineering loops for small reusable launchers

Abstract: The 2010's have seen many changes happening in the launcher world: private players have emerged increasing competition for the traditional launch operators and the development of reusable launcher allowing a decrease in launch cost. The satellite market has also evolved with the appearance of nano-satellites and the development of satellite constellations. ArianeWorks is a joint initiative between CNES and ArianeGroup aiming at accelerating European innovation in the launcher field. Within this framework, Themis, a reusable first stage demonstrator, is currently built and tested. This thesis presents the evaluation of a mini-launcher that would use a derivative of Themis as a first stage. To do so, a set of software tools has been developed and evaluated. These tools make it possible to evaluate various launcher architectures, and to carry out system loops in order to refine the design choices and associated performances. The first results of design and performance from the tools are also presented.