Mechanical and Thermal Qualification/Acceptance activities of the Experiments and Payloads for the EXPERT - ESA Experimental Re-Entry Vehicle.

The ESA European Space Agency is currently developing the project EXPERT – Experimental Re-entry Vehicle Test-bed. The EXPERT capsule features a generic simple shape and will perform a sub-orbital ballistic hypersonic flight; with a selection of major shape parameters to avoid any surface active oxidation, degradation and flow contamination. The main objective of the EXPERT mission is to collect in-flight data on the most critical ATD phenomena via dedicated classical and advanced flight test measurement assemblies ( i.e . EXPERT Scientific Payloads); the scientific data will then to be used to validate state-of-the-art numerical tools for aerothermodynamic applications and ground-toflight extrapolation procedures. In order to efficiently manage the very high numbers and typology of testing activities, the qualification activities have been guided in a frame of payloads coordination among all partners and test facilities for a proper harmonization and optimization of all test requirements and results. In the present paper we present an overview of all on-ground activities aimed to qualify and verify the designed and manufactured payloads actually ready for the flight