Low-Density Supersonic Decelerator

[Reddragon]

http://www.ustream.tv/nasajpl2

Later this week NASA JPL is about to test the LDSD which will carry heavy payloads (2-5t for the first version) to the surface of Mars. This will use the technology required for for future manned missions. The vehicle will use an enormous 33m wide parachute for landing but before it deploys a rocket motor will change the spacecraft's ballistic trajectory (This is just for the test).

It might be interesting to recreate this landing sequence in KSP.

Edited June 2, 2014 by Reddragon

[RenevB]

Clicked here because I wondered what a Low-Density Supersonic Decelerator would be. First video: ah, it's a prachute. Overly complicated, though accurate, descriptions FTW.

[Reddragon]

Well, yes it's basically the parachute and the inflatable ring around the pod. During yesterday's news conference about the test the team members told they are aiming for the ability to land 25 or even 50 tons of payload this way. I have doubts about the safety of that.