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ExoMars

The ExoMars High Altitude Drop Test (HADT) was a specialized atmospheric test program developed by ArcaSpace for the European Space Agency (ESA) to qualify the parachute decelerator system for the ExoMars mission.

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Program overview

 

The ExoMars spacecraft, launched in 2016, comprised the Trace Gas Orbiter and the Entry, Descent, and Landing Demonstrator Module (EDL / Schiaparelli). ArcaSpace was contracted by ESA to test and validate the atmospheric deceleration parachutes of the EDL module in high-altitude stratospheric conditions simulating the thin atmosphere of Mars.

Key Parameters Analyzed:

  • Parachute deployment load dynamics

  • Parachute aerodynamic stability

  • Drag coefficient verification

  • Overall vehicle and descent system stability

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HADT Execution & Operations

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To qualify the EDL demonstrator module parachutes, ArcaSpace designed and built the hardware for a test campaign comprising two stratospheric Drop Test Vehicle (DTV) flights and one dedicated avionics qualification flight.

ArcaSpace manufactured two aerodynamically stable Drop Test Vehicles (DTVs) integrated with ESA-supplied parachute deployment mechanisms and primary avionics. ArcaSpace also provided custom flight avionics, redundant telemetry transmission systems, and engineered the pressurized composite balloon gondolas positioned between the DTV and the stratospheric helium balloon.

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Hardware & System Architecture

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  • Stratospheric Balloon: High-altitude helium balloon with a volume of 1,700,000 cu. ft. (50,000 m³).

  • Pressurized Gondola: Cylindrical composite capsule housing radio and satellite telemetry, tracking avionics, and onboard HD cameras to record vehicle detachment and balloon burst dynamics.

  • Drop Test Vehicle (DTV): Transonic aerodynamic composite structure designed to withstand deployment loads and splashdown impact forces. Includes a pneumatic release system (200-bar pressure canister), avionics, and deployment instruments.

  • Parachute Deployment System: Pyrotechnic triggering system, 39 ft (12 m) main parachute, container assembly, BoP drogue parachute, and airframe interface ring.

 

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DTV Technical Specifications

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  • Overall Length (inc. Pitot): 6.0 m (19.7 ft)

  • Airframe Diameter (excl. fins): 0.85 m (2.8 ft)

  • Fin Span (2024-T6 Aluminum Alloy): 2.55 m (8.4 ft)

  • Launch Mass: 604 kg

  • Primary Flight Regime: Transonic

  • Parachute opening load: 9,700 kgf

  • Vehicle Autonomy: 8 hours

 

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Avionics Qualification Flight 

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ArcaSpace successfully conducted the avionics qualification flight for the ExoMars HADT program off the Black Sea coast on September 16, 2013.

Primary Objectives Achieved:

  • In-flight qualification of telemetry, tracking, and communication systems.

  • Validation of pressurized container sealing following splashdown.

  • Testing of maritime location, tracking, and recovery protocols.

Flight Summary: Launched at 7:15 AM via a cluster balloon system, three pressurized containers ascended over 90 minutes to a target altitude of 24,470 meters (80,280 ft). Upon reaching peak altitude, the payload separated automatically, deployed its recovery parachute, and landed safely at sea 20 minutes later. The hardware was successfully located and recovered by a Navy vessel 92 km from the launch site.​

 

Operational Context & Regional Constraints 

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Flight operations and subsequent drop test missions were subject to schedule adjustments due to the outbreak of the regional armed conflict in Eastern Ukraine and the Crimean Peninsula in early 2014. Given the proximity of the airspace and maritime recovery zones in the Black Sea to the conflict area, mission parameters were re-evaluated to prioritize flight safety, airspace security, and operational compliance.

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