Germany To Test Actively-Cooled Spacecraft

FleaPlus writes "The German Aerospace Center is planning to launch a novel reusable spacecraft in 2011, incorporating flat, damage-resistant tiles. Nitrogen will be pumped through the porous tiles, creating a protective gas layer that actively cools and shields the hottest parts of the spacecraft from the searing heat of reentry. The €12.5M unmanned 'SHEFEX II' project is a major technological step toward the team's eventual goal of a reusable space glider, which will be cheaper and easier to build than NASA's space shuttle."

Comments

Re:why the obession with glider spacecraft?

[sortius_nod]

1. Sure, but you need a large expanse to crash into as per GPs post.

2. Sure, but it's an unmanned space craft. And needs to land in a great expanse.

You've ignored exactly what the GP said, and gone off on a self promotion journey. Your points are moot as your response is redundant.

I give you an F for effort and an F for content.