The European Space Agency (ESA) is currently working on a space mission with important implications for the future of space transportation in Europe. <br /><br />After being launched into space, the IXV - or Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle - will return to earth as if from a low-Earth orbit mission, testing brand-new European atmospheric re-entry technologies during its hypersonic and supersonic flight phases. For ESA, the mission is essential to further develop critical technologies for future robotic or manned spacecraft. <br />In the name Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle, the word intermediate means that the vehicle builds on earlier achievements and performs the step that forms the bridge to future developments. <br /><br />The two-hour IXV mission is scheduled for launch in 2012 on board Vega, Europe's new, small launcher.
