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Cosmos Test
Cosmos Test (deployed) [Cosmos Studios]
Cosmos Test (before launch) [Cosmos Studios]
This was a dual, suborbital test mission: It was to test the deployment of the solar sails developed for the Cosmos-1 mission and to test a IRDT type inflatable heat shield for reentry.
This mission carried two blades of solar sail, which are to be used in the Cosmos-1 mission. After successful deployment, these blades were to be jettisoned before reentry.
IRDT (Inflatable Re-Entry and Descent Technology) is a new technology to return payloads from orbit without a heavy heatshield and parachute system. A inflatable cone provides protection during reentry and a second inflatable extension of the cone reduces the speed further for a safe landing.
The flight failed, when the IRDT/Cosmos-Test did not separate from the Volna launch vehicle.
| Nation: | Russia, USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Inflatable heatshield technology |
| Operator: | Cosmos Studios, Babakin |
| Contractors: | |
| Equipment: | 2 Cosmos solar sails, IRDT shield |
| Configuration: | |
| Propulsion: | None |
| Power: | Batteries |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | |
| Orbit: | suborbital |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmos Test / IRDT | N/A | 20.07.2001 | @BS (K-496 Borisoglebsk) | *F | Volna |
* = suborbital mission
