Recent Developments of Experimental Winged Rocket: Autonomous Guidance and Control Demonstration Using Parafoil

Since 2005, Space system laboratory of Kyushu Institute of Technology has been studying experimental unmanned rockets called WIRES (WIngedREusable Sounding rocket) [1–3]. WIRES are test beds and demonstration platforms for future reusable space transportation system to reduce space transportation cost. In this paper, design, development, ground combustion test and flight test of the winged rocket named WIRES#012IA are presented. WIRES#012IA aims to demonstrate autonomous guidance and control using parafoil.