Investigation of the Influences of Different Booster Recovery Methods on Air Traffic

Abstract

Abstract. To ensure economic access to space, re-using rocket boosters can be one key-element. In comparison to expendable boosters, reusable boosters need to perform additional flight maneuvers, resulting in different airspace demand. As a safety measure for air traffic, airspaces in which spacecraft operate are temporarily closed. Such airspace closures pose an additional challenge for planning flights and airspace capacities. The influence of different booster recovery methods on the airspace closure dimensions are investigated in a collaborative study between TU Braunschweig and DLR SART. Further, the effects of such closures on air traffic are analyzed. As a first proof of concept, this paper applies the developed methodology to quantify airspace closures and associated costs per affected aircraft for two scenarios. While demonstrating the capabilities of the methodology, its limitations and intended improvements are stated and discussed.