Baseline Design Methodology of Orbital Transfer Vehicle Propulsion System Using Rotating Detonation Engines

Abstract

This paper investigates the viability of rotating detonation engines (RDEs) for in-space logistics through the development of a baseline propulsion system design methodology for a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV). Taking into account the emerging market demands for flexible last mile delivery, a mission envelope is determined and subsequently translated into viable system requirements. A modular design framework is then established, which combines detonation modelling, equilibrium combustion analysis and a preliminary engineering constraint verification. This approach allows for a structured vehicle level evaluation of detonation propulsion. Future integration and operability challenges are highlighted, in order to guide further refinement of RDE-driven OTV architecture.