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“JT Madigan”
SpaceWorks Latest Cargo Return Demo Offers Promise
Guided parafoil technology provided autonomous control of SpaceWorks’ RED-4U Prototype Capsule’s final descent from a test held in Madras, Oregon. (Credit: SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc.)

ATLANTA (SpaceWorks PR) – Built to provide a lower-cost option for returning products and experiments from space, SpaceWorks® future RED-4U capsules will serve a vital role in the round-trip space transportation network. In the latest round of testing on October 19th, Atlanta-based SpaceWorks built a prototype of its RED-4U capsule to simulate a portion of the final leg of orbital re-entry, where the capsule fell from near space (20 miles) and landed softly and safely at the test site in Madras, Oregon. The company has been developing its novel line of re-entry devices (RED) for the past four years. This high-altitude drop test was partially funded through NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program and was recently featured on NASA’s website. It is SpaceWorks’ latest step towards fielding a full cargo return capability.

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  • Parabolic Arc
  • November 7, 2021