Space & Astronomy

NASA prepares for second 'flying saucer' test

By T.K. Randall
June 2, 2015

Image: LDSD Rocket-Powered Test Vehicle
Credit: (PD) NASA While NASA's sky crane mechanism was successful in lowering the Curiosity rover on to the surface of Mars back in 2012, landing the modules necessary for human habitation on the Red Planet is going to require something a lot bigger and a lot stronger.

The Low-Density Supersonic Decelerator (LDSD) was designed specifically with this in mind.

Consisting of a rocket-powered platform and a large inflatable saucer-shaped device known as the Supersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator, the system is designed to lower payloads of up to three tons safely on to the surface of Mars with the help of a super-strong parachute.Last year the LDSD was lifted to a height of 180,000ft where the air is as thin as it is on Mars for a test flight that ultimately succeeded even though the parachute was torn to shreds on the way down.

This month however the team is back in Hawaii to try again and this time they've built a much stronger parachute that they believe will be able to withstand the forces of the descent.

The new test is scheduled to take place some time over the next two weeks depending on the weather conditions with tomorrow being the earliest possibility.

If it succeeds then the ultimate goal of a manned mission to Mars will be one step closer.

Source: NBC News

Tags: NASA, LDSD