The key-objective of the FALCon-project is raising the TRL of the advanced RLV-stage return mode using the “in-air-capturing”-procedure from currently at approximately 3 at least beyond 4, approaching a TRL of 5. This ambitious goal can be reached by successfully addressing the following subtasks: 1. In-flight demonstration of “in-air-capturing/mid-air-retrieval”-technologies with subscale vehicles while as far as possible approaching the relevant flight environment and conditions. 2. Developing the necessary sensors and integrating their data and software to be used in-flight for an autonomous successful and rapid connection of the two stages. 3. Establishing an accurate 6DOF-simulation environment both for the planned flight tests as well as for the future full-scale “in-air-capturing”-application. 4. A sound assessment of the in-air-capturing”-launch cost reduction potential by identifying suitable large-scale capturing aircraft and evaluating the necessary modification effort considering regulatory issues. 5. Studying in parallel alternative RLV-return modes under similar assumptions for reliable assessment of the potential benefits. 6. Proposing a European development roadmap, first up to TRL of 6 and then estimating the effort for reaching the full-scale operational system with TRL of 9. This task is to be iterated jointly with the European stakeholders in agencies and industry.

This proposal describes the third core project of the Graphene Flagship. It forms the fourth phase of the FET flagship and is characterized by a continued transition towards higher technology readiness levels, without jeopardizing our strong commitment to fundamental research. Compared to the second core project, this phase includes a substantial increase in the market-motivated technological spearhead projects, which account for about 30% of the overall budget. The broader fundamental and applied research themes are pursued by 15 work packages and supported by four work packages on innovation, industrialization, dissemination and management. The consortium that is involved in this project includes over 150 academic and industrial partners in over 20 European countries.