About the Mission
The RED-25 Capsule is the key component in cost efficient, on demand payload return from space. The STV-2 Mission is to develop and test the capsule, its use of a parafoil and its guided landing, in a pre-determined ellipse.
Oct 19, 2021 : High Altitude Balloon Release Test
Built to provide a lower-cost option for returning products and experiments from space, SpaceWorks® future RED-4U capsules will serve a vital role in the round-trip space transportation network. In the latest round of testing on October 19th, Atlanta-based SpaceWorks built a prototype of its RED-4U capsule to simulate a portion of the final leg of orbital re-entry, where the capsule fell from near space (20 miles) and landed softly and safely at the test site in Madras, Oregon.
The company has been developing its novel line of re-entry devices (RED) for the past four years. This high-altitude drop test was partially funded through NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program and was recently featured on NASA’s website. It is SpaceWorks’ latest step towards fielding a full cargo return capability.
More photos and videos are here.
Sep 22, 2021 : Comprehensive Systems Test
As part of integration and planning leading up to the Comprehensive Systems Test (CST), the flight team completed:
- Mechanical and Electrical Integration of all flight components
Subsystem tests with the full flight train - Iridium communication checks
- ADS-B transponder activation and tests
- Communications and EMI interference tests
At CST, the flight test team conducted a simulated end-to-end mission demonstration at Near Space Corporation’s test facilities in Tillamook, Oregon. The CST included a gondola drop test with a GPS simulation of the mission trajectory. All systems performed as expected including capsule separation from the gondola and parafoil ejection from the capsule.
Sep 20, 2021 : Payload Integration (GA Tech, Janet's Planet)
The mission added payload from the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Space Systems Design Lab, a student-made STRATOS 1U Cubesat test platform, which will capture and telemeter real-time flight data throughout launch and recovery of the RED capsule, providing an experience for students to work with professional engineers.
In addition, and along the same educational lines, Sp
aceWorks worked with Janet Ivey of Janet’s Planet and her elementary and middle school students to add two other tests as part of the payload:
- a thermoluminescent dosimeter test (to discover how effective the atmosphere is at blocking radiation from entering the Earth, useful for designing future flight vehicles that will be flown in space)
- a seeds test (measuring growth)
Nov 19, 2020 : Airplane Release Test
SpaceWorks, along with partners Earthly Dynamics (actuators and flight software) and Aerial Delivery Solutions (parafoil), validated autonomous and precision landing of a space-based payload return capsule through a series of successful low-altitude drop tests in Dunnellon, Florida.
This test campaign consisted of three airplane drop tests of a RED-4U prototype equipped with a guided ram-air parafoil with in-canopy actuators. The prototype drop test article was designated as Suborbital Test Vehicle #2 (STV-2). Tests were conducted at altitudes of approximately 7500 feet in 25 knot winds, achieving precision landings to a pre-specified target.
Suborbital Test Vehicle 2 (STV-2)
With the space economy at $441 billion dollars in 2020, and the increased commercial activity in space, SpaceWorks is developing a cost-efficient system to bring cargo, products and experiments back from space on demand. At the core is SpaceWorks’ Reentry Device (RED) Capsules, including the RED-25 and RED-4U. The mission, designated Suborbital Test Vehicle 2 (STV-2), is funded through NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program.
There is a critical need for a commercial-focused autonomous and on-demand re-entry devices for small payloads. Novel space-based manufacturing/synthesis/phenomenon will lead to rapid low Earth orbit (LEO) market growth, and the current state of the art down mass providers are not sufficient to support the backbone of these sectors.
Low Earth Orbit begins at 2,000 km or 1,200 miles.
