Slide 89 of 99
Notes:
The CARINA microgravity capsule. As Hermés gradually faded into oblivion, the European Space Agency started to take a closer a look at cheaper and less complicated manned space capsules. An “Ariane-X” crew rescue capsule was part of the preliminary European space station studies in the late 1980s, and the French & Italian aerospace industry also investigated unmanned concepts such as the “Carina” version from 1990 shown here. “Carina” was to have a diameter of 4 meters and would be launched on the Ariane-4 rocket. Its main mission was commercial microgravity experiments.
Apollo-type Assured Crew Return Vehicle (1993). The European Space Agency started a six-month Phase 1 “Assured Crew Return Vehicle” study in October 1992. Aerospatiale, Alenia Spazio and Deutsche Aerospace were prime contractors. The ACRV team initially investigated two concepts, including the design shown here. It would have carried a crew of eight astronauts inside a larger version of the old US “Apollo” capsule from the 1960s. The cylindrical section in front contains rocket engines, power systems and a docking tunnel. It would be jettisoned shortly before the capsule reenters the Earth's atmosphere. The capsule would land using parachutes and air bags.
