| Popis: |
The purpose of this paper is to describe the design, development and verification of the ESA Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV) Descent System. The IXV project is part of the ESA Future Launchers Preparatory Program (FLPP), which was conceived by the ESA Member States to develop, among other technological challenges, the IXV re-entry system as a technology platform to verify in-flight performance of critical re-entry technologies. Thales Alenia Space is the prime contractor and is responsible for all aspects of the design, development and verification of the lifting body-shaped, 1845 kg, 4.4 m long, 2 m wide IXV. The IXV Descent System (DS) consists of a Pioneer Aerospace 1.7 m disk gap band, mortardeployed supersonic pilot, 4.3 m ribbon supersonic drogue, 7.3 m ribbon subsonic drogue and 33.5 m ringsail main parachute. Pioneer is also providing the four parachute attachment fittings and pyrotechnic parachute release devices. An extensive process was undertaken to obtain, analyze and present heritage data for all the previously developed components to envelope the operating conditions for the IXV descent system. Component delta qualification activities are also discussed. The planned launch and water landing for the IXV will take place in the fourth quarter of 2013. |
