A Concept Study of HTV Sample Return System

Paper number

IAC-05-B4.5-D2.7.04

Author

Mr. Tetsuo Hiraiwa, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA/Kakuda Research Center), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Kenji Fujii, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (ISTA/JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Atsushi Noda, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (ISTA/JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Koji Yamanaka, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Year

2005

Abstract

Early retirement of the space shuttle will make some difficulties to our future works in ISS (the International Space Station). Not only supplying missions, but also recovery missions will need for the works, such as scientific experiments. For the sake, several procedures are proposed by ESA and Russia. ESA proposes the CARV (Cargo Ascent and Return Vehicle) capsule, which is on the basis of ATV (Ariane-V Transfer Vehicle). Moreover, ESA also proposes PARES (PAyload REturn System from ATV), a small expendable re-entry capsule carried to the ISS by ATV. Russia is now developing a new capsule, Klipper to replace Soyuz series. It will deliver six crewmembers to ISS and have a capability of interplanetary missions. Klipper will deliver about 700 kg cargo. These proposals are very impressive, but they have several, critical issues on their developments, i.e., an inflatable shied for PARES and designing lifting body and its heavy weight (about 10 tonne) for Klipper. 
	In this paper, we will present JAXA\'s concept study for a sample returning system on the HTV (H-II Transfer Vehicle). A minimum but affordable capsule is selected for our concept study to develop 50 kg payload capability to retrieve some biological or biomedical sample from the International Space Station to the earth. This capsule will be about one-meter in diameter and one-meter length. Therefore, one middeck locker or a KRC GN2 freezer can be installed. For early retrieve, the landing of the capsule would take on the open sea near the Wake Island. Estimated time period for the sample retrieve is planed to be less than 24 hours from the beginning of its reentry.

Abstract document

IAC-05-B4.5-D2.7.04.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-05-B4.5-D2.7.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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