Technological Demonstrations Using Sounding Rockets
- Paper number
IAC-08.D1.3.10
- Author
Mr. Lars Helge Surdal, Andoya Rocket Range, Norway
- Coauthor
Mr. Tore Andre Bekkeng, University of Oslo, Norway
- Coauthor
Mr. Jorgen Ilstad, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Since the early days of space exploration, sounding rockets have provided means to gain greater knowledge about the dynamics and physics of the middle atmosphere by obtaining in-situ measurements of areas out of reach from balloons or satellites. Throughout the years, sounding rockets have been utilized for other missions, ranging from microgravity experiments to technology demonstration of advanced concepts. The latter is important, as the need for validation and verification is an essential part of the development process of new space technologies. Depending on the technology to be developed and the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to be attained, validation methods range from abstract approaches, such as simulations, to more pragmatic tests where the technology is demonstrated in conditions which closely resemble the intended operational environment. Traditionally, the facilities at Andoya Rocket Range (ARR), located at 69N in northern Norway, have served as an excellent scientific “toolbox” due to its ideal location, vast set of complementary ground based instruments and large impact area. ARR initiated the development of a multipurpose payload concept in the late 90’s to serve a broad user community. Throughout the years, this concept has been refined and streamlined to facilitate an easy and cost effective access to space. By streamlining development, multipurpose payloads can not only support the scientific research domain, but allow for technological demonstrations. Recently, several missions designed to test and validate new measurement concepts before satellite flight have been launched at ARR. This is the case for a new design of the well known Langmuir probes, which will be flown as part of the scientific payload to verify its functionality, before being proposed as a part of the payload for a Norwegian Cubesat. This paper discusses the possibilities for cost effective technology verification by means of sounding rockets from ARR. The relatively low costs for suborbital missions allow for the acceptance of risk in the development of the experiment, in exchange for experience that will produce flight tested hardware with high TRL, and provide for an initial assessment of the science potential. To illustrate this, the focus of the paper is on the development cycle of the above-mentioned Langmuir probes, aimed to produce very high-resolution measurements, and which will be launched from ARR Q4 2008 in the joint scientific/technological demonstration mission ICI2. The primary design drivers and scientific goals for the demonstrator, as well as an illustration of a typical development cycle of a technological demonstration, will be presented in this paper.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)