Looks like a warhead.
Is this an actively stabilized RV with those tabs? Or are they fixed?Looks like a high volume, high CG design.
QuoteLooks like a warhead.I don't know why but I've got the impression that ESA is currently helping Italy to finance the development of all the technologies needed to build an ICBM (except the nuke itself) :- the launcher through VEGA- the reentry vehicles through EXPERTWell I suppose I'm just being paranoid...
The parachute test campaign was concluded successfully in October 2011 and the parachute subsystem is ready for integration with the Expert Vehicle.
Qualification tests:- Parachute (Pilot, Drogue and Main) mock-up tests to develop the specific Expert system and packing,- Static strength tests of the Pilot, Drogue and Main parachutes,- Dynamic tests of the Pilot, Drogue and Main parachutes,- Pilot parachute deployment tests using the pneumatic gun,- Strength tests of the Pilot and supersonic Drogue parachutes using the pneumatic gun, and- Main Parachute Drop Tests (6 in total), for the qualification of the Main Parachute strength and operations sequence.
ExpertThe Qualification Review was concluded on 3 November for flight on Volna, its original launch system but, for various reasons, Volna might not be used as the launch vehicle. Meetings with launch service providers have been held to identify an alternative launcher. None of the systems (standard version) offer the atmospheric reentry conditions required, and additional analyses are needed to find launchers able to adapt to unconventional launch conditions. While waiting for a decision on the launch campaign, Expert will be kept in storage in a controlled environment at Thales Alenia Space Italy.
ExpertStudies are ongoing to identify alternative launchers in Russia (Kosmotras/Dnepr) and in the US (Orbital Sciences/Pegasus). A Technical Assistance Agreement with the US Department of State needs to be approved before discussion with Orbital Sciences can take place. Interest has been expressed by NASA centres in supporting the Expert launch operations and costs in exchange for the reentry data.
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM8BNZWD2H_index_0.htmlFrom ESA Bulletin 150 (Page 94)QuoteExpertStudies are ongoing to identify alternative launchers in Russia (Kosmotras/Dnepr) and in the US (Orbital Sciences/Pegasus). A Technical Assistance Agreement with the US Department of State needs to be approved before discussion with Orbital Sciences can take place. Interest has been expressed by NASA centres in supporting the Expert launch operations and costs in exchange for the reentry data.
I'm sorry, but this makes me a little upset.The USA has prohibited the exchange of space technology between the US and outer countries (I forgot the name of this law). And now NASA wants to help ESA (with doesn't need help with this small program) in exchange of ALL the scientific data (it's an reentry experiment after all).Another times sorry, but as European citizen I hope ESA will make a deal with Kosmotras (with was the first plan). To let the US know they don't agree with steeling European technology, and thus violating the US law when it benefited the US. Shame on you America!
Has the launch contract with Makeyev for the Volna launch been cancelled?