An experiment system with six different re-entry experiment locations for
testing high temperature re-entry materials, creating new thermal
protection systems, proving innovative new concepts for spacecraft
exterior surfaces and the incremental development of next generation
aerospace materials. A commercial transportation system to and from orbit
provides a 24-hour return cycle for the experiments on a surface actually
re-entering the earth's atmosphere. Now using existing doors, hatches and
other points on the reusable launch vehicle's exterior, the actual
re-entry environment is experienced by test specimens with quick turn
around for a wide variety of different re-entry temperatures ranges for
broad testing and development purposes. The reusable launch vehicle
launches, remains in orbit for 24 hours and returns to provide an actual
test environment for the exterior experiment system.