Small Payload Quick Return

Small Payload Quick Return (SPQR) is a NASA Ames Research Center concept to return small payloads from orbit.[1]

This article is about Small Payload Quick Return concept. For other uses, see SPQR (disambiguation).

The system uses an Exo-Brake, a parachute-like drag device for use in the low-pressure exosphere of Low Earth Orbit. This is the first part of a three part return system, operating from 350 to 100 km.[2]

Exo-Brake

The first test of the Exo-Brake system from orbit began with the launching of the TechEdSat-3p nano-satellite from the International Space Station on November 19, 2013.[3]

TechEdSat-4 is expected to test an Exo-Brake with variable drag in 2014.[3]

TechEdSat-3p took over 60 days to deorbit, while TechEdSat-4 reentered in about 30 days.[4]: Fig 3 

A newer Exo-Brake system was tested on TechEdSat-5, deployed from the ISS in 2017.[5] It is a flexible cross shape that can be warped for steering during reentry.[5]

SOAREX Flights

Several investigations related to the SPQR programs and TechEdSat have been flown on Sub-Orbital Aerodynamic Re-entry Experiments (SOAREX) sounding rockets flights.

SOAREX-6 flew 27 November 2008 on an ATK Sub-orbital/Orion 50xl sounding rocket.

SOAREX-7 flew 28 May 2009 aboard a Terrier-Orion sounding rocket launched from Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) in Virginia. A TDRV (Tube Deployed Re-entry Vehicle) was successfully tested after the flight reached its apogee of 134 km.[6]

On SOAREX-8, which launched on a Terrier Black-Brant suborbital sounding rocket, a wireless sensor module, a camera, various communication devices, and a full Exo-Brake were tested.

On SOAREX-9, a wireless sensor module, a camera, and various communication devices were tested.[7]

References
  1. Characterizing An Experimental Decelerator For Delivering Nano-Sat Payloads To Planetary Surfaces Kevin Ramus et al., U. of Idaho,
  2. The SPQR as an Option for Returning Payloads from the ISS after the Termination of STS Flights Marcus Murbach et al., NASA Ames Research Center,
  3. Exo-Brake Parachute Launched From International Space Station by Keith Cowling, SpaceRef, Nov 2013
  4. "TechEdSat-4 (Technological and Educational Nanosatellite-4) - Satellite Missions - eoPortal Directory". directory.eoportal.org. Retrieved 2019-02-23.
  5. "Exo-Brake Enables Safe Return for Small Spacecraft - Tech Briefs :: Aerospace & Defense Technology". www.aerodefensetech.com. April 2017. Retrieved 2019-02-23.
  6. Murbach, M. S. (15 June 2015). "n Overview of the SOAREX" and" TechEdSat Flight Series: Missions To Advance Re-entry Experimentation, Planetary Mission Design," and" Flight Technology" (PDF). Koln, Germany: NASA. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 December 2016. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  7. Murbach, Marcus. "TechEdSat 5 / PhoneSat 5 (T5/P5) SmallSat Presentation 2016". Retrieved 9 September 2018.
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