-Dallas, Texas- Nova Space successfully tested the design of its next-generation space vehicle, completing a series of wind tunnel tests to refine the aerodynamic characteristics of the spacecraft. The tests were carried out as part of Nova’s partnership with Odyssey Transportation and AeroCarbon Travel company under the agency’s new program. Nova is designing the space vehicle with the company to provide safe, affordable transport for up to seven astronauts to low-Earth orbit.
“Our space vehicle’s innovative shape provides greater cross-range and interior volume than traditional capsules without the possible weight penalty that generally comes with a winged spacecraft,” stated Jake Moss, COO, and Program Manager of Nova. “This is just one of the vehicle’s many features that create a safe and affordable mission of human spaceflight.”
The wind tunnel tests validated Nova’s analysis of the space vehicle’s aerodynamics during descent through the atmosphere and the ability for it to change its flight path, increasing the number of available landing opportunities each day. More than 180 tests were conducted over the past several weeks at a High-Speed Wind Tunnel Facility in Dallas.
Nova is maturing the design of the space vehicle, including its aerodynamic characteristics caused by its shape, culminating in a System Requirements Review in May of this year. Nova will conduct tests of its pusher escape system later this year, demonstrating the ability to navigate the flight path of a subscale crew capsule using an innovative thrust vector control system.
Leave a comment