Europe launches Wednesday a small space plane for an experimental flight whose purpose is to test its ability to return to the atmosphere without burning or deviate from its path.
The name of the ship is English, it is called Intermediate Experimental Vehicle or just "IXV." The device is automated, it weighs two tons, measures five meters, it has no wings, but is expected to soar like an airplane.
"It is important to keep in mind that this is an experimental flight" says Euronews journalist Jeremy Wilks. "We can make computer simulations and wind tunnel, but the best way to learn more about the entry into the atmosphere is to go into space and back. The IXV is covered three hundred sensors that need to save data of pressure and temperature on the unit when returning to plunge into the Pacific Ocean. "
IXV must take off from Kourou on Wednesday at 14h Paris time. After being separated from its launcher, the ship should reach 450 km altitude before starting its descent at a speed of 27,000 km / h.
Parachutes will slow the IXV drop that will, hopefully recovered unharmed somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.
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