How Do Spacecraft Slow Down? NASA Technologist Explains

Have you ever wondered how spacecraft manage to slow down when hurtling through the cosmos? Join us on an enlightening journey as we delve into the science behind spacecraft deceleration. In this episode, we sit down with a NASA technologist to uncover the ingenious methods engineers have employed for years to achieve controlled slowdowns.

Discover the tried-and-true techniques, such as rigid heat shields and retropropulsion, which have paved the way for successful missions in space exploration. But the quest for innovation never ceases. NASA is at the forefront of testing a groundbreaking inflatable heat shield technology. This new technology holds the potential to revolutionize space travel by enabling us to transport larger payloads to worlds with atmospheres.

Dive into the exciting realm of space technology as we explore the upcoming Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID). Scheduled for launch on November 1 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, LOFTID will demonstrate the inflatable heat shield's remarkable ability to slow down and safely navigate atmospheric entry.

Stay curious, expand your horizons, and join us in unraveling the mysteries of space. Subscribe now to be part of our exploration into the extraordinary world of spacecraft deceleration.