OREX [NASDA]
The Orbital Re-entry Experiment (OREX), renamed Ryusei after launch; flight experiment is part of the research for the H-2 Orbiting Plane (HOPE).
Its purposes are to contribute to HOPE development by accumulating experience in designing and producing a re-entry vehicle and acquiring re-entry data which is difficult to acquire in ground experiments. The OREX vehicle was launched and inserted into orbit by H-II rocket in February 1994. It was then re-enter the atmosphere after one revolution. The vehicle was collected experimental data during re-entry, transmitted after re-entry, and splashed down in the Central Pacific Ocean. The OREX project was conducted in cooperation with the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL).
The OREX flight experiment is part of the research for HOPE to answer some critical technical questions. OREX is especially designed to acquire the following data related to atmospheric re-entry:
The OREX vehicle has a blunt-cone shape. The front of the vehicle, which is subjected to aerodynamic heating du-ring re-entry, is constructed of carbon/carbon material and ceramic tiles. These heat-resistant and thermal protective materials are planned to be used in HOPE. Temperature sensors and pressure sensors are installed in the vehicle.
Nation: | Japan |
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Type / Application: | Reentry technology |
Operator: | NASDA |
Contractors: | NASDA |
Equipment: | |
Configuration: | |
Propulsion: | ? |
Power: | Batteries |
Lifetime: | |
Mass: | 865 kg |
Orbit: | 450 km × 451 km, 30.5° |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
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OREX (Ryusei) | 1994-007A | 03.02.1994 | Ta YLP-1 | H-2 | with VEP |