iDREAM 2.0: A Paradigm Shifts Towards Reusable Space Systems

Abstract

Abstract. The design of next-generation flight vehicles for space access and in-orbit operations requires agile and modular tools that can support the rapid prototyping of expendable and reusable vehicles. Since 2020, Politecnico di Torino has been developing the iDREAM methodology and toolset within the framework of the GSTP program under the supervision of the European Space Agency (ESA). In its initial iteration, iDREAM focused on two case studies: a Micro Launcher (ML) and a Human Landing System (HLS). The toolset is composed of three main modules to: (i) support conceptual design activities through ASTRID-H, (ii) enable early-stage assessment of economic viability via HyCost and, (iii) analyze technology sustainability through TRIS, the dedicated technology roadmapping module. Moreover, a unified and upgraded database, supported by an in-house developed Database Management Library, supports the operation of all modules within the integrated toolset. The ongoing second phase (iDREAM 2.0) marks a paradigm shift by extending the methodology to support reusable flight systems, including first and/or second stage vertical and/or horizontal landing launch vehicles (RLV), reusable re-entry vehicles (RREV), and hypersonic use cases and introducing a highly modular environment. A key innovation lies in the integration of reusable systems modelling within existing expendable-focused routines, reducing redundancy and maximizing tool adaptability. The adopted approach focuses on minimizing the number of routines required for design and analysis while maximizing the coverage of reusable configuration combinations. Following a detailed trade-off analysis, the final architecture includes six routines for ASTRID-H, three for HyCost, and a single unified routine for the technology roadmapping TRIS module. This paper presents the current status of the ongoing iDREAM 2.0 project, which is currently in the development phase and undergoing validation through a set of reference vehicles. These include reusable launch systems, with vertical and horizontal recovery, reusable re-entry capsules, and hypersonic vehicle, demonstrating the framework’s versatility in supporting the design of future reusable space systems.