The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) plans to launch a massive inflatable decelerator into low Earth orbit early next month.
Simulation of the inflatable decelerator in low Earth orbit. (Image: NASA)
Recently, NASA turned a piece of science fiction technology into reality by successfully crashing the DART spacecraft into the asteroid Dimorphos to alter its orbit in an effort to enhance Earth’s defense capabilities. In a report on October 11, the agency announced it would continue testing a gigantic decelerator that could one day be used to safely transport large payloads to Mars and other planets in the Solar System.
The inflatable structure, named LOFTID, is scheduled to be launched into low Earth orbit by a ULA Atlas V rocket on November 1 as a secondary payload during the launch of the JPSS-2 satellite, which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Once it reaches orbital altitude, LOFTID will inflate like a flying saucer and then return to Earth to test its deceleration function. This technology is expected to support both crewed and large robotic landings on Mars, as well as facilitate the return of heavier payloads to Earth.
As a spacecraft enters a planet’s atmosphere, aerodynamic drag converts kinetic energy into heat, helping the vehicle slow down as it descends to the planet’s surface.
The LOFTID decelerator inflated and lifted onto a test stand at the research facility. (Image: NASA)
The atmosphere of Mars is much thinner than that of Earth, making the deceleration process extremely challenging. The atmosphere is too thin for a spacecraft to “brake” as quickly as it can on Earth, meaning that entering the atmosphere carries greater risks and requires more protection compared to Earth.
LOFTID is essentially a circular inflatable structure with a diameter of 6 meters, resembling a flying saucer, and is protected by a flexible heat shield. It will function as a braking system while moving through the atmosphere, generating more aerodynamic drag.
“This technology will enable NASA to conduct a series of missions to destinations such as Mars, Venus, Saturn’s moon Titan, and return to Earth,” NASA emphasized in a post on its website.
