NASA will test an inflatable shield to solve the friction problem when landing on Mars.
For a few years now, and even more so since the arrival of companies like SpaceX, NASA has focused part of its efforts on developing missions with the aim of reaching Mars in the medium term. For this, multiple setbacks, obstacles and, of course, problems derived from the conditions present on said planet must still be polished. Therefore, it is necessary to search alternatives with the aim of achieving possible viability. Much has been said about this type of mission and, the truth is that it will sometimes lead to crazy plans.
One of the issues being evaluated is the creation of an inflatable thermal shield that would serve to improve crew safety. After all, landing on Mars is a milestone that could pose a great risk to the first astronauts, so securing the spacecraft would be essential. This protection would be specially designed to protect against the incredible heat that would be released during the descent. NASA has made its own observations and studies in this regard.
Let us see, therefore, what this technology would consist of, why it is a very interesting tool from the point of view of innovation in the aerospace field and, of course, how this curious and surprising shield could be carried out. Here is the information that is known in this regard in relation to the future arrival of human beings on Mars.
Getting to Mars could be possible thanks to the inflatable heat shield
As with meteorites that are destined for Earth, friction could cause significant damage to the spacecraft enter the atmosphere of Mars. In fact, it is believed that hull temperatures of around 1,650 degrees Celsius would be reached. This, under normal conditions, could cause a deformation of the hull of the means of transport, even endangering the integrity of the occupants. The layout of an insulator becomes, therefore, an element of vital importance.
NASA is already working on it and, as a result of the investigations, it will carry out what has been called Low Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID). The purpose of LOFTID is to determine how well shielded a spacecraft intended to land on Mars with a crew on board could have. To do this, its gradual descent into NASA’s atmosphere will be tested in order to determine its resistance.
According to information provided by NASA, LOFTID It will be launched on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.. This technology will have enough charge inside to copy what could be carried on a space mission to Mars. In this way, it will be possible to know what the possible damages caused by friction have been and, of course, to check to what extent this inflatable system can be viable in the future.
The LOFTID shield is expected to can be tested over the next few weeks. It should be noted that this technology is made up of various materials of different resistance, among which a woven ceramic outer fabric and silicon carbide have a special role. Its success could accelerate the development of the most important research program, without a doubt, in recent decades, at NASA.