Sharp Edge Flight Experiment

DLR explained the objectives of SHEFEX: The aim of the research is a space plane that is usable for experiments under microgravity from 2020 on.

[1] Dr. Klaus Hannemann, Head of the spacecraft department at the DLR Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology in Göttingen explains the fundamental advantage of the concept: "A space shuttle has more than 25,000 differently shaped tiles.

General Project Manager Hendrik Weihs said: "The capsule almost achieves the aerodynamic characteristics of a space shuttle, but is smaller and does not need wings.

"[3]Programmatically the DLR said: "Judging from experience in the development of thermal protection systems, curved outer contours with high accuracy requirements were identified as a major cost driver.

It is therefore possible to reduce costs through simplification by tessellating the outer contour with flat tiles with only few distinct shapes.

Problems arise, however, from the fluid dynamics around the sharp edges and corners, which give rise to very high temperatures that must be controlled by new technologies, such as actively cooled elements.

With SHEFEX II, nine different thermal protection systems were to be evaluated on the facetted skin, mainly new fiber ceramics.

During its re-entry, SHEFEX II survived temperatures above 2500 °C, while sending data from the 300 different sensors to the ground station.