In 2022, ArcaSpace released the first version of the AMi Cargo spacecraft for the AMi Exploration program.
This featured a 2.4m diameter main propellant tank and a 2.4m diameter capsule.
In 2023 the capsule design changed to feature a parachute-less solution and a lower aerodynamic load on reentry, similar with other capsule used for deep space return. Also, ArcaSpace incorporated a deep space reentry design for the AMi capsule V2, based on the experience gained during the work for the Mars Sample Return capsule design for the European Space Agency’s MREP contract.
During Mission 12, the 1:6 scale AMi capsule was drop tested and crash landed at terminal velocity, similar to that encountered during a deep space reentry and landing procedure.
This year the tank was also changed from a 2.4m diameter cylinder to a 3.7m diameter sphere. The sphere mold was built at ArcaSpace for the Haas rocket, during the Google Lunar X Prize Program.
The tank mold for the AMi Cargo spacecraft.
The pressurization tanks and the batteries will be placed directly in the main tank, in a separate container.
Additionally, compared with the Version 1 capsule which featured a detachable Service Module, for the Version 3 capsule the Service Module was removed, with the propellant, propulsion system and batteries placed on the upper side of the heat shield. This was possible because of to the significantly improved aerodynamic load at reentry due to the increased capsule diameter.
For the Version 3 we increased the surface area for the solar panels from 384 m2 to 400 m2
The overall spacecraft weight remained almost the same.
Thank you Alexandru Amaran for the AMi Cargo spacecraft renders.
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