Small Payload Quick Return
Small Payload Quick Return (SPQR) is a NASA Ames Research Center concept to return small payloads from orbit.[1]
The system uses an Exo-Brake, a parachute-like drag device for use in the low-pressure exosphere of Low Earth Orbit. This is the first part of a three part return system, operating from 350 to 100 km.[2]
Exo-Brake
[edit | edit source]The first test of the Exo-Brake system from orbit began with the launching of the TechEdSat-3p nano-satellite from the International Space Station on November 19, 2013.[3]
TechEdSat-4 is expected to test an Exo-Brake with variable drag in 2014.[3]
TechEdSat-3p took over 60 days to deorbit, while TechEdSat-4 reentered in about 30 days.[4]: Fig 3
A newer Exo-Brake system was tested on TechEdSat-5, deployed from the ISS in 2017.[5] It is a flexible cross shape that can be warped for steering during reentry.[5]
SOAREX Flights
[edit | edit source]Several investigations related to the SPQR programs and TechEdSat have been flown on Sub-Orbital Aerodynamic Re-entry Experiments (SOAREX) sounding rockets flights.
SOAREX-6 flew 27 November 2008 on an ATK ALV X-1 sounding rocket, but the rocket veered off course and the flight was terminated by range safety. SOAREX-6 survived the launch vehicle explosion and transmitted data until it was destroyed on splashdown.[6]
SOAREX-7 flew 28 May 2009 aboard a Terrier-Orion sounding rocket launched from Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) in Virginia. A TDRV (Tube Deployed Re-entry Vehicle) was successfully tested after the flight reached its apogee of 134 km.[7]
On SOAREX-8, which launched on a Black Brant 9 sounding rocket, a wireless sensor module, a camera, various communication devices, and a full Exo-Brake were tested.
On SOAREX-9, a wireless sensor module, a camera, and various communication devices were tested.[8]
References
[edit | edit source]- ^ Characterizing An Experimental Decelerator For Delivering Nano-Sat Payloads To Planetary Surfaces Kevin Ramus et al., U. of Idaho, [1]
- ^ The SPQR as an Option for Returning Payloads from the ISS after the Termination of STS Flights Marcus Murbach et al., NASA Ames Research Center, [2]
- ^ a b Exo-Brake Parachute Launched From International Space Station by Keith Cowling, SpaceRef, Nov 2013 [3]
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