PHOENIX Inflatable
Heat Shield Testing
TESTING
Campaigns
Summary
Fail fast, prototype faster! the engineering heartbeat at ATMOS!
Lichtenau
Rapid prototyping at ATMOS: Watch how we (literally) throw theory into reality and approach turning concepts and calculations into observational results, to prepare our prototype design for its first test flight in space.
From day one, our approach to hardware engineering has been hands-on and experimental. Since PHOENIX’ Inflatable Heat Shield is a novel concept, the design and configuration of our technology are largely undefined from the start.
To bridge the gap between existing theoretical models in aerothermodynamics and real-world data, we conducted a series of drop tests to analyze design-critical influences – such as drag, lift, and various external forces – to ensure our inflatable heat shield remains stable during re-entry.
„A key aspect of our novel concept is to achieve stable flight conditions during reentry. For this reason, we have designed and tested several prototypes to verify our fully deployed heat shield under real conditions during atmospheric drop tests.
Less simulation, more iteration and hands-on engineering of hardware was and is our approach here. That is why our guiding principle is: Fail Fast, Prototype Faster!”
Christian Grimm, Co-Founder & Lead Systems Engineer
„But that day, we achieved more than just technical validation. We came together – and worked as a team. To create something unique— and hopefully life-changing for many. In Europe and the rest of the world.”
Sebastian Klaus, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Objectives of the drop tests
↗ Validation of production capacities: Ensuring that our production capacities and methods (e.g. sewing techniques) are sufficient.
↗ Verification of design and test parameters: Identification of system level parameters that need to be optimised and verification of the underlying calculations.
↗ Test of materials and interfaces: Testing the behaviour and interfaces of flexible and rigid materials with similar mechanical properties to ensure load capacity of the inflatable system.
↗ Functionality and flight behaviour of the entire system: Testing of inflation systems and pressure stability of the inflatable body, checking aerodynamic properties and vehicle control during atmospheric flight.
↗ Splashdown and Recovery operations: Testing the behaviour of the system during water splashdown and training of the recovery procedures.