Small Payload Quick Return

Small Payload Quick Return (SPQR) is a NASA Ames Research Center concept to return small payloads from orbit.^[1]

The system uses an Exo-Brake, a parachute-like drag device for use in the low-pressure exosphere of Low Earth Orbit. This is the first part of a three part return system, operating from 350 to 100 km.^[2]

Exo-Brake

The first test of the Exo-Brake system from orbit began with the launching of the TechEdSat-3p nano-satellite from the International Space Station on November 19, 2013.^[3]

TechEdSat-4 is expected to test an Exo-Brake with variable drag in 2014.^[3]

TechEdSat-3p took over 60 days to deorbit, while TechEdSat-4 reentered in about 30 days.^[4]^{: Fig 3}

A newer Exo-Brake system was tested on TechEdSat-5, deployed from the ISS in 2017.^[5] It is a flexible cross shape that can be warped for steering during reentry.^[5]

SOAREX Flights

Several investigations related to the SPQR programs and TechEdSat have been flown on Sub-Orbital Aerodynamic Re-entry Experiments (SOAREX) sounding rockets flights.

SOAREX-6 flew 27 November 2008 on an ATK ALV X-1 sounding rocket, but the rocket veered off course and the flight was terminated by range safety. SOAREX-6 survived the launch vehicle explosion and transmitted data until it was destroyed on splashdown.^[6]

SOAREX-7 flew 28 May 2009 aboard a Terrier-Orion sounding rocket launched from Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) in Virginia. A TDRV (Tube Deployed Re-entry Vehicle) was successfully tested after the flight reached its apogee of 134 km.^[7]

On SOAREX-8, which launched on a Black Brant 9 sounding rocket, a wireless sensor module, a camera, various communication devices, and a full Exo-Brake were tested.

On SOAREX-9, a wireless sensor module, a camera, and various communication devices were tested.^[8]

References

^ Characterizing An Experimental Decelerator For Delivering Nano-Sat Payloads To Planetary Surfaces Kevin Ramus et al., U. of Idaho, [1]
^ The SPQR as an Option for Returning Payloads from the ISS after the Termination of STS Flights Marcus Murbach et al., NASA Ames Research Center, [2]
^ ^a ^b Exo-Brake Parachute Launched From International Space Station by Keith Cowling, SpaceRef, Nov 2013 [3]
^ "TechEdSat-4 (Technological and Educational Nanosatellite-4) - Satellite Missions - eoPortal Directory". directory.eoportal.org. Retrieved 2019-02-23.
^ ^a ^b "Exo-Brake Enables Safe Return for Small Spacecraft - Tech Briefs :: Aerospace & Defense Technology". www.aerodefensetech.com. April 2017. Retrieved 2019-02-23.
^ nasasoarex (2009-08-20), SOAREX 6 Survives Launch Vehicle Explosion, archived from the original on 2021-12-20, retrieved 2019-05-03
^ Murbach, M. S. (15 June 2015). "n Overview of the SOAREX" and" TechEdSat Flight Series: Missions To Advance Re-entry Experimentation, Planetary Mission Design," and" Flight Technology" (PDF). Koln, Germany: NASA. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 December 2016. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
^ Murbach, Marcus. "TechEdSat 5 / PhoneSat 5 (T5/P5) SmallSat Presentation 2016". Retrieved 9 September 2018.