FLPP re-entry in-flight experimentation : the Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV) Technical and Programmatic Objectives

Paper number

IAC-05-D2.P.04

Author

Mr. Yves Gerard, EADS Astrium, France

Year

2005

Abstract

With the objective to maintain and improve the European competences in strategic and critical re-entry technologies, the ESA Future Launcher Preparatory Program (FLPP) is, among other goals, aiming at developing and validating in-flight such key strategic and critical re-entry technologies as well as the related technical disciplines, such as aerothermodynamics, thermal protection systems, hot-structures, or controlled gliding re-entry. 

Based on past experience in experimental vehicles, there is a large consensus within the international space community indicating that a progressive flight demonstration approach is preferable to limit the risks, to allow progressive investment efforts, and to assure that more challenging developments benefit from results and findings obtained through a step-by-step approach. On this basis, the FLPP is currently elaborating an optimised roadmap for in-flight experimentation of re-entry strategic and critical technologies. This in-flight experimentation roadmap includes, among others, an Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV), which will be a very challenging and ambitious short-term step of the Program.

The IXV main objectives are two folds. The primary objective is to test in-flight various TPS technologies and hot structures potentially candidate for the NGL in representative flight conditions. The secondary objectives are to secure the European system design experience for such re-entry vehicles, to address controlled gliding re-entry and to validate know-how related to in-flight measurement techniques. Besides these objectives, the IXV is also aiming at gathering ATD data needed for improving the wind tunnel test facilities (including plasma facilities) and CFD predictions and transposition to flight.  

This paper will present the technical and programmatic requirements and the major design drivers assigned to the IXV. It will also describe the current status and the interim results of the running industrial activities for the consolidation of the IXV system and vehicle design.

Abstract document

IAC-05-D2.P.04.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-05-D2.P.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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