A Methodology for Integrating Life Cycle Assessment into a Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization Framework for Sustainable Launcher Development

2026-06-24

AI Summary

This study addresses the lack of systematic assessment and multidisciplinary co-optimization of environmental impacts across the full life cycle in early-stage launch vehicle design. It presents the first deep integration of life cycle assessment (LCA) into a multidisciplinary design analysis and optimization (MDAO) framework. By coupling a parameterized life cycle inventory with a trajectory simulation-driven launch emissions model, the approach quantifies climate change impacts from manufacturing, propellant production, transportation, and launch phases. A multi-objective optimization is then performed to balance vehicle performance against multiple environmental indicators. Case studies demonstrate that the method effectively uncovers trade-offs among environmental metrics and enables informed co-optimization of performance, cost, and sustainability, offering a general and practical decision-support tool for greener spacecraft design.

Abstract

The increasing number of orbital and sub-orbital launches makes it necessary to investigate the environmental impacts of launch vehicles and incorporate eco-design considerations into their development. In response, the European Space Agency has promoted Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a standardization methodology to mitigate environmental impacts of present and future space missions. This need is further amplified in the NewSpace, where numerous configurations and innovative technologies are explored, reinforcing the importance of integrating environmental considerations. At early design stages, launch vehicle architecture can be formalized through a multi-physics optimization problem based on Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) methods, where disciplines such as propulsion, aerodynamics, structure, and trajectory are coupled to obtain trade-offs among candidate configurations. This paper proposes a methodology to integrate an LCA discipline within an MDAO framework for launch vehicle design. The approach relies on parametric life-cycle inventories depending on design and coupling variables, covering component and propellant production as well as transport to the launch site. Launch emissions are evaluated from optimized trajectory profiles and characterized in terms of climate change impact. The methodology is illustrated on a representative expendable launch vehicle, where multi-objective optimizations assess trade-offs between performance and environmental indicators. Results highlight antagonistic behaviors among environmental impact categories, emphasizing the importance of carefully defining environmental objectives in eco-design studies. The generic nature of the methodology lays the foundation for integrating LCA into early-stage launch vehicle design, enabling exploration of trade-offs between performance, cost, and environmental considerations.

Problem

• Life Cycle Assessment
• Multidisciplinary Design Optimization
• Sustainable Launcher Design
• Environmental Impact
• Eco-design

Innovation

• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
• Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO)
• Sustainable launcher design
• Parametric LCI
• Eco-design