This technology demonstration program tests inflatable aerodynamic decelerators and massive supersonic parachutes. Because the Martian atmosphere is too thin to slow heavy spacecraft using traditional heat shields alone, these systems rapidly inflate at high speeds to increase drag. Engineers test these devices in Earth's upper stratosphere to simulate the thin Martian air.
We're analyzing the telemetry from the LDSD drop test to see if the parachute survived the supersonic inflation shock.
Related terms
Parachute
A fabric canopy deployed to create aerodynamic drag and slow a falling object.
Aerobraking
The use of atmospheric drag to slow a spacecraft and alter its orbit.
Heatshield
A thermal protection system for vehicles entering an atmosphere.
Mars rover
A Mars rover is an automated motor vehicle designed to travel across the surface of Mars.