Basis for a methodology for roadmaps generation for hypersonic and re-entry space transportation systems

After a brief overview of the major activities related to reusable space transportation system carried out in Europe, the paper focuses on the proposed Systems Engineering based methodology for the generation and combination of the main four pillars (i.e. elements) involved in a roadmap: i.e. Operational Capabilities, Technology Areas, Building Blocks and Mission Concepts. These elements will be derived, characterized and stored according to the future planning needs. The second part of the paper presents the application of this logical methodology to the selected case study, to derive, track and manage the previous pillars. The paper concludes anticipating the following steps that will lead to the technology roadmaps preparation based on the methodology described here. Moreover, the exploitation of a well-defined methodology can allow reaching optimal development strategy, minimizing costs and enhancing the public consensus with respect to space initiatives.