IXV (Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle)

A first for Europe: on 11th February 2015, from an altitude of 420 kilometers and decelerating from Mach 22 to Mach 2, IXV (Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle) demonstrator performed a controlled re-entry by using aerodynamic control surfaces.

A first for Europe: on 11th February 2015, from an altitude of 420 kilometers and decelerating from Mach 22 to Mach 2, IXV (Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle) demonstrator performed a controlled re-entry by using aerodynamic control surfaces.

For this ESA programme led by Prime contractor Thales Alenia Space – Italy, Dassault Aviation was heavily involved in the design of the outer shape of the vehicle.