Europe Prepares Two Atmospheric Re-entry Test Vehicles

摘要

Two atmospheric re-entry test vehicles are being prepared here for launches in 2011 and 2013 as part of a program to prepare Europe for future missions that have yet to be defined.rnThe two vehicles - the 450-kilogram Expert subor-bital capsule and the 1,815-kilogram Intermediate Ex erimental Vehicle (IXV) - have both faced delays due to financing and doubts about whether they fit into Europe's current long-term strategy. But they now are apparently on track, according to officials from Thales Alenia Space Italy, which is prime contractor for both.