heat, and be able to glide from an altitude of . Integration and system testing works were completed in April 2004. Drop tests - May 2004 On Saturday, May 8, 2004, the Phoenix prototype underwent a large-scale drop-test at the North European Aerospace Test range in Kiruna, Sweden. The vehicle was lifted by helicopter and dropped from a height of . Following a 90-second guided glide, the prototype reportedly landed with precision and without incident. The primary aim of the test was to assess the glider potential of the craft. More specifically, the Phoenix explored various methods of performing automatic landings that would not involve any human intervention; guidance was provided by multiple means of navigation, including GPS satellites, radar and laser altimeters, and various pressure and speed sensors. According to EADS spokesman Mathias Spude, the prototype had landed within three centimeters of the intended target. Additional tests had already been scheduled, including three that were planned to occur during the following two weeks, which were to build towards the testing of more challenging landings (involving the spacecraft being dropped from different angles or orientations relative to the landing site). Furthermore, the project had an anticipated milestone of releasing the prototype from an altitude of within three years. However, EADS noted prior to the flight that further tests would be dependent on the craft's performance during the initial flight. Two further test flights were conducted on May 13 (a repeat of the May 8 drop test) and May 16. Longer term - Socrates In the long term, if successful and viable, the landing technology tested on Phoenix was to be incorporated into a follow-on re-usable vehicle, which was to be named Socrates. While not envisioned to serve as an orbital vehicle, Socrates was to be capable of flying at up to 10 times the speed of sound, as well as of performing very rapid turnaround times between flights as a steppingstone towards re-usability. See also German space programme References Citations Bibliography G. Pezzellaa, M. Marinia, P. De Matteis b, J. Kauffmann c, A. Daprad, C. Tomatisd. "Aerothermodynamic Analyses of Four Reusable Launchers in the Framework of ESA Future Launchers Preparatory Programme ." Aerotecnica Missili & Spazio, The Journal of Aerospace Science, Technology and Systems'', Vol. 89, No. 1. January 2010. pp. 36–46. External links European Space Shuttle Glides To Success 9 May 2004 - details & photo Glide test images: