New step forward in the realization of Space RiderThe First vehicle of the European Space Agency capable of bring loads to the low orbit and then of Return to the Earth’s atmosphere: in the Cira workshops (Italian Aerospace Research Center) the dynamic structural qualification tests of the ‘nose‘, a key component of the thermal protection system of the return form, designed by Cira and made in collaboration with Petroceramics.
Nose is one of the most complex components of the thermal protection system, with one structure That integral about 1,200 elements. The heart of the system is represented by 130 centimeter wide monolithic capmade with a reusable fibro -decamated fibrogenic material developed jointly by Cira and Petroceramics.
“Space Rider’s nose represents one of the most difficult technological challenges we have faced so far,” says Giuseppe Rufolo, Program Manager Cira. “A completely reusable structure, from weight just 40 kilogramscapable of resist temperatures of 1650 degrees, guarantee there aerodynamic form with Deformations lower than the millimeter and endure the launch loads. The success of these tests is the culmination of Four years of intense work”. Space Rider is developed in the context of ESA program by a consortium led by Thales Alenia Space Italia and Avio as Co-Contractors. Cira (a public-private company, based in Capua in Campania, participated by CNR, local public bodies and by industries in the sector) is involved in the program with design, development and qualification activities, in particular in the context of atmospheric return technologies and the validation of descent and landing systems.
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