Post by glactus on Dec 22, 2011 1:08:12 GMT
The launch of ESA's IXV Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle on Europe's new Vega rocket is now in detailed planning, a major step towards the craft's flight in 2014.
The IXV intermediate experimental vehicle
Launched into a suborbital trajectory from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, IXV will return to Earth as if from a low-orbit mission, to test and qualify new critical technologies for future reentry vehicles.
IXV to orbit
It will attain an altitude of around 450 km, allowing it to reach a velocity of 7.5 km/s on entering the atmosphere. It will collect a large amount of data during its hypersonic and supersonic flight, while it is being controlled by thrusters and aerodynamic flaps.
The IXV in space
IXV will then descend by parachute and land in the Pacific Ocean to await recovery and analysis.
The rocket's qualification flight planned for liftoff at the end of January will pave the way for the next five VERTA missions that will demonstrate the system's flexibility.
At a planned rate of two launches per year, the programme will allow the smooth introduction of Vega for commercial exploitation.
To see superb 7 minute video of ESA's IXV Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle just click on the link below. Has sound. Full screen option bottom right.
www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=-Z5oHcjd2H0
Credits: These are ESA images.
Text: This is part text only. See full text and all scientists involved at Space daily.com
Video by Youtube
The IXV intermediate experimental vehicle
Launched into a suborbital trajectory from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, IXV will return to Earth as if from a low-orbit mission, to test and qualify new critical technologies for future reentry vehicles.
IXV to orbit
It will attain an altitude of around 450 km, allowing it to reach a velocity of 7.5 km/s on entering the atmosphere. It will collect a large amount of data during its hypersonic and supersonic flight, while it is being controlled by thrusters and aerodynamic flaps.
The IXV in space
IXV will then descend by parachute and land in the Pacific Ocean to await recovery and analysis.
The rocket's qualification flight planned for liftoff at the end of January will pave the way for the next five VERTA missions that will demonstrate the system's flexibility.
At a planned rate of two launches per year, the programme will allow the smooth introduction of Vega for commercial exploitation.
To see superb 7 minute video of ESA's IXV Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle just click on the link below. Has sound. Full screen option bottom right.
www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=-Z5oHcjd2H0
Credits: These are ESA images.
Text: This is part text only. See full text and all scientists involved at Space daily.com
Video by Youtube