REUPS-1

Main Goals of the Project

The Reusable Upper Stage Demonstrator – Phase 1 (REUPS-1) project represents the first step in Europe’s roadmap toward the demonstration of a reusable upper stage for a medium-class launcher, with a payload capability of up to 20 tonnes. The initiative prepares the ground for an In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) mission targeted around 2030, aiming to enable more sustainable and competitive space transportation architectures. REUPS-1 focused on identifying the technology maturation needs required for the reusable upper stage demonstration, highlighting the critical and enabling technologies to be de-risked. The project consolidated the system high-level Requirements, elaborated potential applications and the related business case, and developed the Phase 1 industrial design and cost assessment. Among the recovery options assessed, the upper stage concept based on parafoil-assisted landing was analyzed.

CIRA Activities in the Project

CIRA carried out activities for the definition and validation of critical and enabling technologies aimed at de-risking the aero-shape and thermal protection systems (TPS)  to support the conceptual design of the reusable upper stage demonstrator. Moreover, CIRA contributed to defining the high-level requirements, architecture, and conceptual design of the medium-lift upper stage, supporting the development of innovative solutions for its reusability.

General Project Information

Funding Programme: ESA - Euopean Space Agency

Start Date: 01/10/2024; End Date: 31/03/2025

Coordinating Organization: Thales Alenia Space

Partners: CIRA

CIRA Contact: Francesca Maria Pisano, f.pisano@cira.it