How Spacecraft Decelerate: Insights from a NASA Technologist

What methods are employed by spacecraft to decrease their speed? Engineers have traditionally favored rigid heat shields and retropropulsion. However, NASA is now experimenting with a novel inflatable heat shield technology, which could enable us to transport larger payloads to planets with atmospheres. This innovative approach will be put to the test with the Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID), scheduled to launch on November 1 via a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, alongside NOAA's JPSS-2 mission. The primary objective of LOFTID is to showcase the heat shield's capability to effectively slow down and endure the challenges of atmospheric entry. The video credits go to NASA, with producers Scott Bednar and Jessica Wilde, and editor Daniel Salazar. This initiative highlights NASA's commitment to advancing spacecraft technology and exploration.