Reusable capsules for space programs can significantly reduce the cost of projects. Blue Origin and SpaceX have put into practice and are already using reusable rockets. Now, the European Space Agency (ESA) has presented a promising project of a Space Rider reusable capsule, capable of delivering scientific equipment to and from space several times.
The Space Rider is based on an experimental unmanned project ESA (IXV), which completed a test flight in 2015 and successfully returned to Earth. The new capsule is based on the use of the IXV technical concept and has a multi-purpose cargo compartment that opens into space, a new design of the landing gear, allowing you to make 5 or more repeated flights into space.
The Space Rider capsule is launched from the Vega-C rocket launch module and is installed on the top AVUM + stage, which provides control of the module and delivers 600 watts of power to it. In the cargo compartment of the Space Rider, you can place a useful weight of up to 800 kg and a volume of up to 1200 liters.
During the flight, the module can rotate in different directions to explore different sectors of outer space or the Earth.
The Space Rider flight is designed for 2 months, after which the module independently leaves the orbit, calculates the optimum angle of entry into the atmosphere. After slowing to a predetermined speed due to friction in the dense layers of the atmosphere, the parachute opens and lands. Then, after maintenance, the module is re-launched into space.
At present, all tests and evaluations of the module system have been carried out. The final project analysis and expertise will take place at the end of 2019, and the launch of Space Rider is scheduled for 2022. It will be the first reusable spacecraft developed by European specialists.
