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Experiments

A number of major technology experiments are already underway. The Orbiting Re-entry Experiment (OREX) was carried on the first H-II mission in 1994 to test navigational and thermal control systems for HOPE. In 1996 the J-I HYFLEX mission will further examine aerodynamic characteristics of hypersonic vehicles while the ALFLEX (Automatic Landing Flight Experiment) will test unmanned landing systems. Russian aerospace specialists will also assist Japan in conducting high-speed aerodynamic experiments on HOPE models at the Zhukovskiy Central Aerohydrodynamics Research Institute in the Moscow region I (References 125 and 140-148).

140. S. Mansfield, "Japanese Panel Pushes Space Plane Project", Space News, 26 July - 1 August 1993, p.6.

141. E. Sekigawa, "Renewed Backing for Japan's HOPE", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 2 August 1993,

142. ITAR-TASS, Moscow, 20 February 1995.

143. S. Mansfield, "Japan To Test Hope", Space News, 16-22 January 1995, p.18.

144. "NASDA Sets HOPE Tests", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 20 March 1995, p.58.

145. H-II Orbiting Plane (HOPE), technical brochure issued by NASDA, T1991.

146. K. P. Dawson, "Japan's Space Plane Faces Termination or Shrinking", Space News, 23-29 November 1992 pp.3, 20.

147. "Japanese Give Details on Ryusei Reentry", Military Space, 3 October 1994, pp.8-9.

148. "First H-2 Payload Aids HOPE Shuttle", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 31 January 1994, p. 53.

Sources and Resources

• Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]

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