ESA's Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle completes successful 100-minute mission

ESA's IXV experimental spaceplane has successfully carried out its 100-minute mission to test technology re-entry and navigation technology for the next generation of European spacecraft. Whilst often described as a spaceplane, the IXV is in reality an atmospheric re-entry testing package wrapped in what appears to be a basic space shuttle fuselage. The resulting data accrued from the launch will inform a wide range of endeavors, spanning from re-supply trips to the ISS, to manned return missions to Mars. .. Continue Reading ESA's Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle completes successful 100-minute mission



Section: Space



Tags: Atmosphere, ESA, Launch, Rocket, Spacecraft, Testing, Unmanned



Related Articles:

• ESA prepares IXV concept spaceplane for maiden flight


• ESA postpones experimental spaceplane launch


• ESA spaceplane launch gets green light


• Largest heat shield ever constructed installed on NASA's Orion spacecraft


• Boeing wins Instrument Unit Avionics contract for Ares I launch vehicle


• Phoenix Mars Lander Spacecraft being readied for August launch

from Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine http://ift.tt/1KJQIyz