ISAR MGSE

ISAR MGSE is the mechanical ground support equipment of the Isar Aerospace launcher. These structures transport, lift and hold the rocket before launch. So they must withstand very high loads with no room for error.

For the preliminary ISAR MGSE project, we were in charge for the global FE model realization and structural sizing, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the mechanical ground support equipment as Transporter/Erector, Lifting System, Launch Table and HDRM.

One global model for the whole ISAR MGSE

Instead of analysing each piece of equipment on its own, we built a single global FE model. As a result, you can see how loads travel from the rocket to the transporter, from the lifting system to the launch table, and finally to the ground.

Then, starting from that model, we sized the main structures for the load cases of the preliminary design: transport, lifting, wind and time on the pad. In addition, we flagged the critical areas that will need detailed models in the following phases.

Ground equipment, in fact, works in conditions that differ from the rocket: wind on the pad, shocks during transport, repeated lifting cycles. Therefore, it needs specific load cases, which we defined together with the client.

Why start from the preliminary design

In the preliminary phase, changing a choice costs little. For this reason, a good global model of ISAR MGSE helps to fix geometry and thicknesses early, and therefore avoids costly changes when the equipment is already under construction.

The global model and sizing fall within our FEM simulation and structural verification services. In addition, when the design moves to the detailed phase, the same model becomes the basis for local checks. If you are developing ground equipment, write to us from the contact page.