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A novel space return capsule for life sciences microgravity experiments

Project description

Reusable system for safe spacecrafts re-entry

A key challenge in the space industry is ensuring the safe and efficient re-entry of spacecraft and cargo into Earth’s atmosphere. Current technologies often fail due to issues with velocity, heat protection, and excess mass, leading to the destruction of spacecraft upon re-entry. The EIC-funded Phoenix 2 project will address these challenges by developing a reusable, modular inflatable aerodynamic decelerator (IAD) with a high-velocity parachute and heat shield. This system aims to safely and cost-effectively recover cargo from space, particularly biomedical and pharmaceutical materials. The project will focus on testing, validation with partners, manufacturing processes, and developing a commercialisation strategy.

Objective

A persisting challenge in the space industry is securing efficient and safe re-entry of spacecraft and cargo into the atmosphere and return to Earth. Existing technologies fail to solve for factors such as velocity, protection from hot air or plasma, and excessive mass, resulting in spacecraft (or cargo) burning up in the atmosphere. Amongst other factors, this has severely slowed down scientific space research. To address this major challenge, we are developing a reusable, modular, and scalable Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (IAD) which consists of a high-velocity parachute and heatshield that recovers and brings back the space cargo (free-flying experiments and experimental equipment from space stations, especially biomedical and pharma material) safely and cost-effectively. With EIC funding, we aim to complete Phoenix 2 ’s development & testing, carry out validation with key partners, define manufacturing, and establish our commercialization strategy.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.

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Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-EIC-ACC - HORIZON EIC Accelerator

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2024-ACCELERATOR-02

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Coordinator

ATMOS SPACE CARGO GMBH
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 2 499 999,00
Address
AIRPORT BOULEVARD B210
77836 Rheinmunster
Germany

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Baden-Württemberg Karlsruhe Rastatt
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data
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