Note: Please note that this is an “archived project” and is no longer updated. This article is meant for historical purposes only.
NASA’s Strategic Space Technology Investment Plan has identified entry, descent and landing (EDL) as one of eight core technology investment areas and, within the EDL core area, deployable hypersonic decelerators are identified as a key technology area. The Adaptable, Deployable, Entry and Placement Technology, ADEPT SR-1 project is developing a mechanically deployable low-ballistic coefficient aeroshell entry system to perform EDL functions for planetary missions.
This concept would be used to safely deploy scientific payloads or enable long-term human exploration of Mars with its associated cargo needs. The deployable system allows mission planners to develop an aeroshell design that fits within existing launch vehicle systems, and yet prior to the EDL mission segment, transforms into a low ballistic coefficient configuration. Thus during atmospheric entry, design requirements such as heating, acceleration, and pressure profiles imparted to the entry system are significantly lowered, allowing the use of lower heat capacity thermal protection system and lower design loads for other spacecraft components, including science instruments.
