Status of ‘himes’ reentry flight test project

The ISAS (Institute of Space and Astronautical Science) has been conducting a series of research and development on the winged space vehicle since J982 and proposing MIMES (Highly Maneuverable Experimental Space) vehicle as a mid-course target for the development of future ‘Space Plane’ which is the long range goal. This experimental vehicle is designed on the basis of the present state-of-the-art technology and its objective is to demonstrate technologies related to a fully reusable rocket vehicle and an atmospheric reentry flight. Extensive study and development have been carried out, which include system analysis, aerodynamic design, navigation/ guidance and control systems, propulsion system, structural studies and so on. Flight tests by small sized vehicle have been conducted to verify the result of these analyses, which are low speed glidingflight test and atmospheric reentry flight test. Also made are the ground firing test of hydrogen fueled propulsion system both in rocket and air-breather. This report summarizes current status of these activities and an emphasis is focused on the atmospheric reentry flight test.