The nose of Space Rider, designed by CIRA and manufactured in partnership with Petroceramics, has successfully passed its structural dynamic qualification campaign, confirming full component integrity ahead of flight unit manufacturing. This milestone marks a key technical achievement for the Space Rider Re-entry Module (RM), Europe s first reusable space transportation system developed under the European Space Agency (ESA) program, with Thales Alenia Space Italia as the prime contractor.

The nose is one of the most complex elements of the Space Rider Re-entry Module Thermal Protection System (TPS), comprising about 1,200 parts. At the core is a monolithic dome made of ISiComp , a reusable fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite jointly developed by CIRA and Petroceramics. With a 130-centimeter diameter, it is the largest component ever manufactured using the Liquid Silicon Infiltration (LSI) technique.

Tests were carried out by CIRA s Space Qualification Laboratory to assess behavior under vibrational loads simulating launch conditions.

The Space Rider nose is one of the most difficult technological challenges we have faced so far, said Giuseppe Rufolo, CIRA Program Manager. It is a fully reusable structure weighing just 40 kilograms, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1650 C, maintaining aerodynamic shape with deformations of less than one millimeter, and surviving launch loads. The success of these tests is the culmination of four years of intense work and paves the way for the completion of the Space Rider TPS.

Daniele Francesconi, Thales Alenia Space Italia Program Manager, added: The completion of dynamic qualification of the ceramic-based composite nose is a key milestone for Space Rider. This achievement demonstrates the success of collaboration between research centers and industry in overcoming major technological challenges essential for the atmospheric re-entry of reusable vehicles.

Aldo Scaccia, ESA Space Rider Space Segment Manager, noted: This qualification represents a major advance. The nose, a crucial part of the vehicle s thermal protection system for hypersonic atmospheric re-entry, is essential to mission success. CIRA s achievement brings us closer to completing Europe s reusable orbital vehicle.