Full-scale simulation and analysis of formation flight during in-air-capturing of a winged reusable launch vehicle

In the past two decades, the renewed interest in sustainable space transportation has driven the development of many innovative reusable launch technologies. One such concept called ‘In-Air-Capturing (IAC)’ involves winged rocket stages captured mid-air and towed back to the launch site using an aircraft. The approach, patented by German Aerospace Centre (DLR), shows potential for substantial mass and cost reduction by eliminating the need for additional propulsion during the descent. A critical aspect of IAC requires the two involved vehicles to be in a parallel formation with similar velocities and altitudes separated by a safe distance. The preliminary requirement is to maintain the formation for a minimum of 60 s, despite any external disturbances.