Romania's Arca has conducted the first drop test of the recoverable crew cabin planned for its Stabilo manned suborbital vehicle.
The cabin was dropped from a balloon at an altitude of 48,200ft (14,700m) and recovered 30km (16nm) down range from the launch point. Severe turbulence prevented release from the higher altitude planned, however, says Arca.
A second unmanned drop test is planned for February. The operational Stabilo would be released from a balloon at 66,000ft, and boosted above 100km by a tractor rocket, after which the cabin would separate and re-enter for a parachute recovery.
Source: Flight International
