The Pre-X atmospheric re-entry experimental lifting body: Program status and system synthesis

Abstract

Atmospheric glided re-entry is one of the main key technologies for future space vehicle applications. In this frame Pre-X is the CNES proposal to perform in-flight experimentation mainly on reusable thermal protections, aero-thermo-dynamics and guidance to secure the second generation of re-entry X vehicles. This paper describes the programme status and the synthesis of the system activities performed up to now together with the main technical issues. A preliminary in-flight experimentation and measurement plan has been assessed defining the main objectives. The current Pre-X procurement specification states that the vehicle recovery without damage of the TPS is mandatory for the mission success. The functional and experimental measurements are transmitted from the vehicle to ground during flight, except for some innovative measurement. The vehicle is recovered in the Pacific Ocean assuring sufficient duration of buoyancy. Flight is foreseen for year 2010. During the year 2005 the phase A of the Pre-X program has been achieved with the main objective to verify the compliance of the proposed vehicle solution with the procurement specification. Phase B is currently running. The VEGA and DNEPR launch vehicles have been assumed as main candidates for launching Pre-X and VEGA is the baseline. A complete system loop has been performed including the operations, ground system assessment, and visibility analysis. The vehicle re-entry point is at 120 km and the mission objectives are fulfilled between Mach 25 and 5. Then the vehicle has to pass to subsonic speeds, the parachute opens and it is finally recovered in the sea.