EFESTO is getting in good shape

The successful European Commission review define a crucial milestone for the hypersonic inflatable aerodynamic decelerator (HIAD).

Inflatable heatshields enable new missions, protecting payloads during re-entry in conditions that cannot be covered by rigid heat shields.

Two key applications have been identified to enable Mars Robotic Exploration and Reusable Small Launchers Upper Stages.

For the Mars Application, the robotic exploration mission design results in a 9 m diameter HIAD class, combined with Supersonic Retro-Propulsion for safely landing the 2.5 ton payload at MOLA +3 km target altitude.

___

The VEGA upper stage (AVUM) has been selected as a baseline case study for the Earth Application. The current mission foresees a deorbiting from Polar Orbit followed by a controlled entry phase. Deceleration is achieved using a 4.5 diameter class HIAD combined with parachutes during the descent phase. A parafoil enables Mid-Air-Capturing (MAR) with a helicopter.

___

3D CDF simulations are run on the new detailed design with updated curvature at the edge of the annulus and testing started.

___

A breadboard is under production for testing of the inflatable structure. Moreover, arcjet tests in the relevant environment will provide the thermal characterization of the flexible TPS material.

___

Tests schedule was affected by Covid-19, with shifts in schedule due to late material delivery.

The EFESTO project fills the technological gap to ensure the European leadership in space technologies and enable future space exploration missions.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 821801.