A spaceplane to address the need for autonomous European space transportation capabilities is about to be proposed to the ESA.
Dassault Aviation and OHB announced on 11th May that they are partnering to propose to the European Space Agency a multipurpose reusable orbital transport spaceplane named VORTEX-S .
According to theIt further states that Dassault Aviation will be the prime architect and system integrator of the spaceplane, whereas OHB will be the architect and integrator of the space plane`s service module. The vertical launch horizontal landing spaceplane will be mated to a launch vehicle and will not be encapsulated in the launch vehicle fairings. Vortex-S will be capable of round-transport to space stations and of autonomous orbital free flyer missions.
It is primarily aimed at providing European future in space mobility, given that the International Space Station is scheduled foris aimed at an incremental four phased development. Starting from Vortex-D , Vortex – S , Vortex – C , and Vortex – H . Vortex-C and Vortex – H will be full scale spaceplanes.
The demonstrator version will be 4 m long, and will have a payload capacity of 2 tons with a payload volume of 8 cubic meters. The objectives of the Vortex-D will be aerodynamic design validation, hypersonic technologies validation , flight control laws validation and key systems qualifications.
The spaceplane has rendezvous and docking capability with space stations and can carry out soft atmospheric reentry , making it ideal for returning fragile payloads from space. Its suborbital flight is likely to take place in 2028. The demonstrator version will be supported by the French Defense Procurement Agency .
Vortex-S is designed to anticipate the need for larger variants, allowing more cargo to be transported, or carry astronaut crews onboard, to Low Earth Orbit based space stations. Vortex-C and H are expected to enter into service by the mid 2030s.for a wide range applications. These include serving as a flying test bed for in orbit manufacturing of alloys, composite materials, and fibers as well as research and production of space medicine.
Military applications of Vortex-S include in-orbit servicing and refueling missions, rendezvous with a cooperative or non-cooperative space objects, scheduled or unscheduled satellite intervention, de-orbit assistance, space surveillance and policing.only United States and China operate active, orbital space planes. These include X-37B and Dream Chaser from the United States and Shenlong from China. MilitaryMilitary
Esa European Spaceplane ISS Replacement OHB Orbital Transport Reusable Spaceplane VORTEX-S
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