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NASA's LDSD second flight!

Frida Space

By Frida Space
in Science & Spaceflight

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Frida Space

Frida Space

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I missed out on last year's test flight, but this year I hope to catch it live...

What/Who?

NASA's Low-Density Supersonic Decelerator (LDSD) will make its second test flight.

Where?

LDSD will soar into the skies on a baloon from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on the island of Kauai in Hawaii.

When?

The flight test will be attempted on Tuesday, June 2 at no earlier than 1:30 p.m. EDT (7:30 a.m. HST, 17:30 UTC, 19:30 CEST). The test launch window is June 2-12. Weather - wind in particular - isn't looking great for June 2, and if it won't change (although forecasts suggest it will) there is a second two-week launch window starting from something like July 7 if I recall correctly. Last year, LDSD took off on the first opportunity of the second window, but this shouldn't be the case this year.

Why?

The LDSD features two breakthrough technologies: a supersonic inflatable aerodynamic donut-shaped decelerator (or airbrake), or SIAD, and the Supersonic Disksail Parachute, which has more than double the area of the Curiosity rover's parachute. These devices potentially will help us deliver double the current amount of payload  1.5 metric tons  to the surface of Mars. They also will greatly increase the accessible surface area we can explore, and will improve landing accuracy from a margin of approximately 6.5 miles to a little more than 1 mile.

Technically, the SIAD is already flight-qualified to fly in Mars' surface. However, the 2020 rover probably won't use it because NASA has already designed an EDL without it (although things could change), but the mission after that, the one that will collect the 2020 rover's samples and bring them back to Earth, will probably feature the SIAD.

How?

At launch time, a giant balloon will carry the test vehicle to an altitude of 120,000 feet (37,000 meters). After release from the balloon, a solid rocket motor Star 48 will lift the disk-shaped vehicle to 180,000 feet (55,000 meters), during which it will accelerate to supersonic speeds. Traveling at about Mach 3, the vehicle’s inner-tube-shaped decelerator, called a supersonic inflatable aerodynamic decelerator, will inflate and slow the vehicle. Then, at Mach 2.35, its parachute will inflate and gently carry the vehicle to the ocean's surface.

In last year's test flight, SIAD worked flawlessly, whilst the supersonic parachute was torn apart shortly after deployment. Nevertheless, as you can see in the photos, the vehicle did manage to land without any problem.

Pretty pictures:

The LDSD being recovered after last year's flight.

2-ldsd_sfdt1_recovery-0404.jpg

10-ldsd_sfdt1_recovery-0515.jpg

LDSD-TV_Star-48.jpeg

ldsd-test-diagram.jpg

And a spectacular video of last year's ride:

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John FX

John FX

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Is I the only one who think of KSP 1.0 supersonic parachutes here :)

No although the way the first one ripped up as soon as it was deployed reminded me of the way my chutes just destroy themselves on deployment in KSP at high speeds.

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Frida Space

Frida Space

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Update

Mission managers have postponed Tuesday’s scheduled launch of a high-altitude balloon carrying NASA’s Low Density Supersonic Decelerator (LDSD) test vehicle because of unfavorable ocean conditions. The wave height is not conducive for safe recovery operations. The next launch attempt is Wednesday, June 3, no earlier than 1:30 p.m. EDT (7:30 a.m. HST).

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NovaSilisko

NovaSilisko

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I want to be excited about this thing, but they keep using the made-up word "decelerate"!

... Eh? I'm pretty sure decelerate is a word, used in many scientific contexts. What do you propose instead? Slower-downer?

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Kryten

Kryten

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... Eh? I'm pretty sure decelerate is a word.

But it's a made-up word, you see. Not like the real words, which were of course all delivered from on high unto the adulating masses by G-d the saviour.

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problemecium

problemecium

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Lol...

A: Anyone else catch that they used GoPros?

B: Dat test rig. The one they used last year for the strength test, with the rope, funnel, and... GIANT ROCKET TRAIN WAT

Someone at NASA's been playing KSP methinks.

Edited by parameciumkid
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Gryphon

Gryphon

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According to NASA, a jar of peanuts is a lucky charm... :3

See, that's a perfect excuse for me to eat peanuts while playing KSP.

- - - Updated - - -

Why reinvent the wheel?

Also, the "Global Mapper" they keep mentioning is COTS software that's less than $500 base price.

- - - Updated - - -

GO FOR DROP!

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