The rocket, a unique German-designed unit, was successfully launched from the Andøya Rocket Range in northern Norway. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) intends to use the SHEFEX technology in the development of a new European space shuttle.
“Everything went according to the plan,” leader of the Rocket Range Kjell Bøen told NRK. “We could not be more satisfied with the launch”, he adds.
The Andøya Rocket Range has prepared carefully for the launch over the last month.
After a 10-minute flight, the sharp-edged SHEFEX II spacecraft landed safely west of Spitsbergen.
The SHAFEX rocket holds a speed of 3 km/second until it breaks through the atmosphere. “This technology is the future for space shuttles,” Bøen underlines.
The DLR has been working on the SHEFEX programme for 10 years, developing a technology in which a spacecraft can re-enter the atmosphere and land without suffering damage. SHEFEX is angular and sharp-edged; its structure consists of planar surfaces, which are easier to manufacture and are thus less expensive than the usual rounded shapes, the website of the company informs.
