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IRDT-Fregat
IRDT-Fregat (Heatshield not deployed)
IRDT-Fregat (1st cascade of heatshield deployed)
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 first test flight orbited the IRDT 1 payload and the Fregat stage, which was also equipped with an IRDT shield. The IRDT Fregat payload diameter after 1st stage inflation was x m and 2nd stage 14 m (acting as parachute).It was planned to bring back the stage with this device for investigation of possible reuse, but it has not been found, after it descended in a snow storm. Possibly it has been found by scavengers and sold as scrap metal.
| Nation: | Russia, Europe |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Inflatable heatshield technology |
| Operator: | ESA |
| Contractors: | NPO Lavochkin |
| Equipment: | IRDT shield |
| Configuration: | Fregat stage with inflatable heatshield |
| Propulsion: | |
| Power: | Batteries |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | |
| Orbit: | 581 km × 604 km, 64.9° |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRDT-Fregat | 2000-009B | 08.02.2000 | Ba LC-31/6 | Soyuz-U Fregat | with IRDT 1, Gruzovoy Maket |
