OrbitalHub

One important variation of the typical ATV mission is the Advanced Re-entry Vehicle (ARV). The ARV configuration will consist of a large cargo capsule capable of bringing back on Earth hundreds of kilograms of cargo and valuable experiment results. ARV would be able to dock to the US side of the ISS that has larger docking ports and would make possible the transfer of complete payload racks.

Atmospheric re-entry is not a new challenge for ESA engineers. Past programs – like the Atmospheric Re-entry Demonstrator – and future programs – like the Intermediate Experimental Vehicle (IXV) – will help validate models used for the simulation of the re-entry phase and also provide a solid base in designing materials for the thermal protection system.

On July 29, 2009, a Russian Dniepr launch vehicle placed in orbit six small satellites. The satellites weigh from 12 kg to 200 kg. Three of the six satellites are European: Deimos-1 and UK-DMC2 built by SSTL, and NanoSat-1B, which is a Spanish experimental satellite. The Dniepr launch vehicle is based on the SS-18 ballistic missile.

On July 31, 2009, Space Shuttle Endeavour landed at Kennedy Space Center at 10:48 AM EDT, completing a 16 day mission. STS-127 was the 29th Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station.

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STS-127 EVA #5 total time was four hours and fifty-four minutes. EVA #5 spacewalkers were Christopher Cassidy and Thomas Marshburn.

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STS-127 EVA #4 total time was seven hours and twelve minutes. Christopher Cassidy and Thomas Marshburn replaced the final four of the six batteries on P6 truss integrated electronics assembly.

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EVA #3 spacewalkers were Dave Wolf and Christopher Cassidy. EVA #3 was cut short due to high levels of CO2 in Cassidy\’s suit. EVA #3 total time was five hours and fifty-nine minutes.

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