German Aerospace Center (DLR) successfully launched the experimental apparatus atheat from the landfill Andai (Andøya, Norway), which became an important step in the development of reusable space transport technologies. A rocket launched 6 October 2025 year Fr. 10:45 local time, made a flight lasting about four minutes and during two of them it exceeded Mach speed 9 — indicators, commensurate with the conditions of entering the atmosphere during the return from orbit.
During the mission, the rocket rose to a height of more than 30 kilometers. On-board sensors recorded large volumes of data on aerothermal loads and structural behavior. According to DLR experts, the mission allowed high Mach numbers to be reached for a longer period of time, than in previous projects, and provided a unique data set for further research.
More than was installed on board 300 sensors — infrared cameras, laser scanners, radiation thermometers. Modular data collection system, developed by DLR, provided processing and transmission of information in real time to ground stations.
The payload included active cooling experiments during extreme heat, as well as four folding ceramic fiber composite flaps, which have withstood high temperature loads. These elements, created using proprietary DLR technology, are considered as a potential basis for future guidance systems for multiple rocket stages.
The ATHEAt rocket is long 13,5 meter had a two-stage construction, developed by the MORABA division (Mobile Rocket Base). The lower stage of the RED KITE, created in cooperation with Bayern-Chemie, in combination with the Canadian upper stage Black Brant provided hypersonic flight on a gentle trajectory. A new DLR sensor module monitored acceleration, rotation and optimized the stage ignition process.
The obtained results simulate the conditions, close to those, which must withstand thermal protection systems of reusable spacecraft during re-entry into the atmosphere. So, the project contributes to the elimination of the technological gap in the field of reusable space systems.
The flight ended with a controlled landing in the Norwegian Sea, becoming one of the most difficult and fruitful tests, carried out by DLR within the framework of the program of verification of reusable technologies.
Source: https://www.spacedaily.com