Development of an integrated computational tool for global design and trajectory optimization, and flight safety analysis of suborbital vehicles and satellite launchers.

• Grant number: 23/15770-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: May 01, 2024
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Aerospace Engineering - Flight Dynamics
• Principal Investigator: Élcio Jeronimo de Oliveira
• Grantee: Élcio Jeronimo de Oliveira
• Company: KVANTUM TECNOLOGIA E SERVICOS LTDA
• CNAE: Transporte espacial ; Desenvolvimento e licenciamento de programas de computador customizáveis
• Pesquisadores principais: IJAR MILAGRE DA FONSECA
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/15118-1 - Development of graphical interface and integration of developed tools for Strategic Aerospace Software., BP.TT; 24/14084-6 - Development of an integrated computational tool for global design and trajectory optimization, and flight safetyanalysis of suborbital vehicles and satellite launchers., BP.TT; 24/09263-9 - Development of an integrated computational tool for global optimization of design and trajectory, and flight safety analysis of suborbital and satellite launcher vehicles, BP.PIPE

Abstract

Advances in technology miniaturization have significantly boosted demand for nanosatellites, creating a thriving new market for more compact and cost-effective launch vehicles. This scenario, explored in detail in the book "European Access to Space: Business and Policy Perspectives on Micro Launchers", highlights more than 60 global initiatives, attracting strong interest from the private sector, giving space to a new business dynamic in the space industry.However, this new dynamic faces considerable challenges, given the dual nature of this technology. Launch vehicles, originally intended for launching satellites, can be converted for military use, a characteristic that leads to a series of government restrictions on access to such technology, including the computational tools dedicated to the design and operation of these launchers.These restrictions can represent a significant barrier for companies in countries that do not have these tools, as they are at the mercy of regulations imposed by supplier governments. This scenario limits not only business expansion but also technological advancement, restricting access to critical components and modules essential to the development and safe operation of launch vehicles.In Brazil, this barrier is about to be broken. Following the global wave of New Space, the country is reactivating its space sector with economic subsidy policies and promotion of the development of critical and strategic technologies. Projects for the creation of small launch vehicles have already received the green light, symbolizing a significant change in national technological development policy.The answer to this technological bottleneck comes through a project supported by several national institutions and companies, which aims to offer the Latin American market a reliable and embargo-free computational tool for launch vehicle design and mission analysis. This initiative seeks not only to meet the emerging demands of the sector but also to ensure safe operations, in line with the standards of the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB).The tool, developed in a structured and modular way, promises to be flexible enough to adapt to different market demands, helping not only in the development of launch vehicles but also in meeting safety and performance requirements.With the forecast growth in Brazilian space activities, this innovation will emerge as an essential resource, supporting space projects and facilitating compliance with flight data review processes proposed by satellite launching companies operating in Brazil.By facilitating access to dedicated computational tools, Brazil positions itself not only as a rising actor on the global space scene but also as a facilitator, enabling national and Latin American companies to overcome current restrictions and achieve their objectives in the emerging market. of nanosatellites and microlaunchers. (AU)