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EXPERT is developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in order to provide the scientific community with quality data on critical aero-thermodynamic phenomena encountered during hypersonic flights as well as to provide industry with system experience of re-entry vehicle manufacturing and development of hypersonic instrumentation. EXPERT is equipped with 14 experiments provided by several scientific institutions all around Europe. The experiments address the following phenomena: TPS material characterization, surface catalysis and oxidation, plasma spectroscopy, laminar to turbulent transition, flow separation and reattachment, shock-boundary layer interactions, base flow characteristic and aerodynamic characterization of flap control surfaces. The paper focus on the status of the EXPERT project: the design activities and the on going manufacturing, the main challenges and the expected flight data results. EXPERT will benefit future atmospheric re-entry activities ranging from cargo to human orbital transportation systems as well as re-usable launchers and scientific probes.

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In the first mission of the ISS supply ship ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) an unexpected power request by the thermal control system was detected, when some thermal blankets were partially detached from the structure. An investigation was carried out, followed by a complete review of the MLI detail design relevant to the venting phenomenon. The process was completed with the qualification of an enhanced MLI design, suitable to resist to all the environmental loads and to provide future ATV modules with the capability to withstand any mission condition with respect to thermal and venting issues. This paper is focused on the thermal development and qualification campaign and on the relevant lessons learnt. NomenclatureATV = Automated Transfer Vehicle CDR = Critical Design Review DAK = Double Aluminized Kapton EADS = European Aeronautic Defence and Space company ICC = Integrated Cargo Carrier JK = Johannes Kepler JV = Jules Verne MDPS = Micrometeoroid and orbital Debris Protection System MPLM = Multi-Purpose Logistics Module MLI = Multi-Layer Insulation OTMM = Overall Thermal Mathematical Model QR = Qualification Review RCF = ReClosable Fastener ST = Space Transportation TAS-I = Thales Alenia Space -Italia