In order to reinforce the safety of launch systems and to prepare the future of the European space base, Space French agency together with an industrial team formed by Safran Data Systems and GTD France are developing alternative means to radars to ensure backup operations. During each launch, the launcher is programmed to follow a precise trajectory within a flight corridor. If it deviates from this trajectory, it is immediately neutralized so as not to put the population at risk. This is what is known as the flight safety mission, which aims to ensure the safety of people, property and the environment. This function is based on the correct location of the launcher throughout the flight. At the Guiana Space Center, the current system works with radar means used by operators who trigger the neutralization if they notice that the launcher does not follow the right trajectory. This equipment, which will reach the end of its life in the next decade, is very difficult to adapt to new activities such as micro-launchers and reusable launchers. Reflection is therefore underway to develop alternative solutions to meet the future challenges of the European spaceport, while reducing operating and maintenance costs, in accordance with the commitments made at the last ministerial conference of ESA member states. AN AUTONOMOUS KIT ON BOARD THE LAUNCHER Among the solutions being considered, the KASSAV 2 project (Autonomous Kit as In-Flight Backup Solution) has the advantage of simplifying operations and saving precious seconds in decision-making time. It consists in automating the backup by integrating the localization, diagnosis and neutralization functions in the launcher. In concrete terms, if an anomaly is detected, the algorithm on board the launcher will autonomously trigger the neutralization. KASSAV 2 will be based on proven digital technologies and location systems already in common use in land and air transport. The possibility of using the European Galileo navigation service also gives us the advantage of being independent of foreign constellations (GPS, etc.). The objectives of reducing costs, improving safety and availability, and opening the CSG to future types of launchers make Kassav 2 part of the CSG-NG modernization plan for the European spaceport. Safran will develop the hardware and GTD France will implement the onboard software. First demonstration flight is scheduled for 2023.
