ESA building reusable space vehicle
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.027781
New Scientist : The European Space Agency (ESA) is developing its own space plane for shuttling astronauts and supplies to and from the International Space Station and other destinations. A cross between NASA’s space shuttle and Apollo spacecraft, the Intermediate Experimental Vehicle is a hybrid known as a “lifting body,” which features the simplicity of a single-use capsule and the maneuverability of the shuttle. A scaled-down prototype is currently in production for an October launch to test two of its design features: the heat shield and rear maneuvering flaps. Although that craft will splash down in the ocean upon reentry, the ESA plans to eventually design one that will land on the ground like an airplane.
