![](\"http:\/\/www.esa.int\/var\/esa\/storage\/images\/esa_multimedia\/images\/2014\/09\/ixv_drop-test_model\/14777748-1-eng-GB\/IXV_drop-test_model_small.jpg\")
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\nThis drop-test model of ESA\u2019s IXV Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle will be among the attractions on display at this year\u2019s ESTEC Open Day on 5 October<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n \nIXV\u2019s sleek lifting body design gives a clue to its purpose: the flight version will ascend 450 km into space this November on a Vega rocket before beginning a long glide back through the atmosphere.\n<\/p>\n \nIn the process, IXV will gather data on reentry conditions to help guide the design of future spaceplanes.\n<\/p>\n \nThe IXV replica seen here was last year dropped by helicopter into the Mediterranean<\/a> to demonstrate that the design would endure splashdown \u2013 note the flotation balloons.\n<\/p>\n \nThe flight model, meanwhile, has been put through its paces at ESA\u2019s test centre next door, with everything needed to recreate every aspect of the launch and space environment under one roof.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \t\t\t\t\t \nThis drop-test model of ESA\u2019s IXV Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle will be among the attractions on display at this year\u2019s ESTEC Open Day on 5 October<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n \nIXV\u2019s sleek lifting body design gives a clue to its purpose: the flight version will ascend 450 km into space this November on a Vega rocket before beginning a long glide back through the atmosphere.\n<\/p>\n \nIn the process, IXV will gather data on reentry conditions to help guide the design of future spaceplanes.\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n