C. Recupero, A. Fabrizi, M. Kerr, G. De Zaiacomo, V. Fernandez, P. Rosa, A. Tarabic, A.Cojocaru, F. Tache, F. Cacciatore
DOI Number XXX-YYY-ZZZ
Conference Number HiSST-2022-77
This paper presents the Space Rider (SR) Entry and TAEM (Terminal Area Energy Management) G&C,
at the closure of delta-CDR of the Space Rider ESA program. Space Rider is an ESA development
program that aims to provide Europe with an affordable, independent, reusable end-to-end integrated
space transportation system for routine access and return from low orbit. It will be used to transport
payloads for an array of applications, orbit altitudes and inclinations. The paper presents an overview
of the Entry and TAEM G&C Design Definition and Justification, as carried out in the phase C of the
Space Rider program, with the Entry and TAEM G&C designed to take the vehicle from hypersonic
conditions at the Entry Interface Point (EIP) (Velocity 7.5km/s, 120km) to subsonic conditions at the
parachute release (Mach 0.73, 16km). The paper provides information on a range of activities for the
Entry and TAEM G&C, including: Entry and TAEM G&C requirements evaluation and analysis, Entry and
TAEM G&C concept, functional and physical architecture definition and justification, and the assessment
of the GNC performance through Monte Carlo simulation campaigns. Most of the Space Rider RM Entry
and TAEM Guidance and Control are based on the IXV algorithms. The promising simulation results
obtained demonstrate a high level of performance of the Entry and TAEM G&C, as well as robustness
against conservative (enlarged) model uncertainties and mission parameters dispersion, providing a
solid basis for the Entry and TAEM G&C in subsequent program phases.