Engineering Case as a Tool for Forming Innovative Concepts: The Example of a Project to Create a Stratospheric Rocket-Space Complex

This paper presents the authors' experience in application of the engineering case method for development of the concept of an innovative space launch system for rocket carriers (RC) based on stratospheric aerostatic platform. This engineering case was conducted with six high school students during the July project session «Big Challenges» at the Sirius Educational Center in 2024. During the three weeks course, basics of technical feasibility and economic efficiency were developed for creating a stratospheric aerostatic platform for launching light and medium-class rockets. It was demonstrated that such a platform may serve as the first stage of a space launch system while not requiring the creation of spaceport infrastructure. The platform could be used to launch rockets from any latitude into the desired orbital inclination. The possibility of offering launch services to other countries is also considered. Based on the results of the project session, the authors concluded that the engineering case method is highly effective for developing innovative concepts in rocket and space industry. The study was carried out with the support of the Section on International Problems of Science and Education of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences.