The Sharp Edge Flight Experiment SHEFEX - The ideas behind and status of the project, IAC-04-V.6.08

Abstract

In the frame of the program for the development of technologies for reentry of space transportation systems (STS) many projects have been performed in Germany for research and development of key technologies (e.g. EXPRESS, HERMES, TETRA). Testing these technologies under real conditions is necessary to validate structural concepts, materials and development tools like codes for CFD and wind tunnel testing. In the end, cost reduction in manufacturing and maintainance of hard- and software and high reliability of a STS are the demands for future ELV`s and RLV`s. After cancelling the reentry flight of NASA`s X-38 demonstrator, engineers and researchers of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) found another way for the validation of already flight qualified hardware. The SHarp Edge Flight EXperiment SHEFEX will concentrate on the validation of a further development structural concept, materials and aerothermodynamical effects. German Space Industry will use this opportunity for a flight as well. Furthermore, SHEFEX will support the effort to establish ESA´s FLPP (Future Launcher Preparatory Programme).