Preliminary Post-Flight Data Analysis of the SHEFEX Experiment

Kurzfassung

The purpose of the SHarp Edge Flight Experiment SHEFEX was the investigation of the aerodynamic behaviour and thermal problems of possible new shapes for future launcher or re-entry vehicles. The main focus was the improvement of common space vehicle shapes by application of facetted surfaces and sharp edges. The experiment has permitted the accurate investigation of the flow effects and their structural solution during the hypersonic flight from 90 km down to an altitude of 20 km. The project, performed under responsibility of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) was launched from Andoya Rocket Range, Norway. This paper introduces the mission, describes the layout of the experiment and the re-entry vehicle, it gives an overview of the main outcomes and drawbacks of the initial post flight analysis.