Small Payload Quick Return (SPQR) is a NASA Ames Research Center concept to return small payloads from orbit.Characterizing An Experimental Decelerator For Delivering Nano-Sat Payloads To Planetary Surfaces Kevin Ramus et al., U. of Idaho,
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.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,
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.Exo-Brake Parachute Launched From International Space Station by Keith Cowling, SpaceRef, Nov 2013
TechEdSat-4 is expected to test an Exo-Brake with variable drag in 2014.
TechEdSat-3p took over 60 days to deorbit, while TechEdSat-4 reentered in about 30 days.
A newer Exo-Brake system was tested on TechEdSat-5, deployed from the ISS in 2017. It is a flexible cross shape that can be warped for steering during reentry.
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.
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.
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.
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