Mechanical and thermal qualification/acceptance activities of the experiments and payloads for the expert - esa experimental re-entry vehicle

The ESA European Space Agency is currently developing the project EXPERT - Experimental Re-entry Vehicle Test-bed. The EXPERT capsule features a generic simple shape and will perform a sub-orbital ballistic hypersonic flight; with a selection of major shape parameters to avoid any surface active oxidation, degradation and flow contamination. The main objective of the EXPERT mission is to collect in-flight data on the most critical ATD phenomena via dedicated classical and advanced flight test measurement assemblies (i.e. EXPERT Scientific Payloads); the scientific data will then to be used to validate state-of-the-art numerical tools for aerothermodynamic applications and ground-toflight extrapolation procedures. In order to efficiently manage the very high numbers and typology of testing activities, the qualification activities have been guided in a frame of payloads coordination among all partners and test facilities for a proper harmonization and optimization of all test requirements and results. In the present paper we present an overview of all on-ground activities aimed to qualify and verify the designed and manufactured payloads actually ready for the flight. \textcopyright 2011 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved.