Iperdrone.0

Iperdrone.0 [ASI]

Iperdrone.0, developed by ASI (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana), is a precursor mission to test technologies for an experiment carrier with return capability.

The IPERDRONE Program aims to design and build a space transport system capable of carrying out operations in orbit prior to in-orbit service involving systems in LEO orbit (e.g., ISS, Vega-C, and Space Rider) and then returning through the atmosphere until reaching the earth's surface, where the integrity of the embarked payload and the possible reusability of the main subsystems will be verified at the end of the mission.

The IPERDRONE program is divided into missions, the completion of which will allow the above-mentioned in-orbit services to be performed. IPERDRONE.0, the program's first project, consists of three major activities:

• The first mission, IPERDRONE.0 mission will launch a 6U cubesat into orbit to perform operations around a virtual point.
• feasibility study of the subsequent mission of the re-entry system, IPERDRONE.1 mission, for which the return to the ground and the recovery of the aircraft is also envisaged;
• technological developments to support the implementation of the re-entry capability.

CIRA (Prime), Tyvak International, and Kayser Italia comprise the IPERDRONE team. The launch is currently scheduled for Q1-2023.