IXV: learning to come back from Space
ESA TV NEWS Special Ministerial
In 2012, Vega will carry ESAs Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle into space (IXV). The vehicle will then return to Earth to test a range of enabling systems and technologies for atmospheric re-entry.
This demonstrator is part of ESAs Future Launchers Preparatory Programme to experiment atmospheric re-entry enabling systems and technologies, a topic discussed end November at the ESA Ministerial conference.
This Video News Release describes this future mission with new 3D graphics.

IXV Video News Release / October 2008
A-Roll
10:00:46
(Animations the IXV mission)
The European Space Agency, ESA, is currently working on a space mission with important implications for the future of space transportation in Europe.
After being launched into space, the IXV ñ or Intermediate Experimental Vehicle - will return to earth as if from a low earth orbit mission, testing brand new European atmospheric re-entry technologies during its hypersonic and supersonic flight phases. For ESA, the mission is essential to develop critical technology further for future robotic or manned spacecraft.
10:01:23
(cutaways and SOT Giorgio Tumino)
Soundbite - Giorgio Tumino, ESA IXV Manager:
ëWe have noticed in the past that by embarking on large developments, without having a stronger know-how on the basic technology that you need to support such developments, may create increased risk in the big operational developments. Thatís why we have decided to develop an intermediate experimental vehicle - intermediate in the se