NASA is set to test the Low-Density Supersonic Decelerator for a second time Wednesday, launching the flying saucer-shaped, rocket-powered vehicle from Hawaii's Pacific Missile Range Facility and into near-space.
The test flight had originally been scheduled for June 2 but mission managers postponed the launch because ocean conditions were unfavorable. If optimal wave height is not achieved, safe recovery of the LDSD vehicle will not be possible. If the June 3 launch doesn't push through, NASA will have until June 12 to carry out a test flight of the LDSD.
When launched, the LDSD vehicle will be carried by a giant balloon to a height of 120,000 feet. The vehicle will then be detached from the balloon and will be lifted by a booster rocket to 180,000 feet, accelerating at supersonic speeds. As the vehicle travels at thrice the speed of sound, the vehicle's supersonic inflatable aerodynamic decelerator will inflate, allowing it to slow down. At Mach 2.35 speeds, the LDSD's parachute will open, carrying the vehicle gently down to the surface of the ocean.
The LDSD project is sponsored by the Space Technology Mission Directorate of NASA and led by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This test flight is a means of testing two of the agency's breakthrough technologies: an innovative new parachute and the supersonic inflatable aerodynamic decelerator.
The development of these technologies will make it possible for NASA to send twice the current payload into space, specifically to the surface of the Red Planet. With greater landing ease in Mars, accessible surface area will greatly increase, expanding what humans can explore on the planet. Landing accuracy will also be improved by between a mile and 6.5 miles, dramatically increasing safety levels during landing.
As the LDSD will be launching from Hawaii, mission members participated in a special blessing ceremony for the vehicle led by Uncle Tom Takahashi, a native Hawaiian elder. The vehicle was named "Kalani Ike Ike Kahonua," which translates to "highest boy in heaven" in Hawaiian. Last year, the LDSD's launch tower also received a blessing from Takahashi. It was called "Onikahonua" or "mover of the Earth." The previous LDSD test vehicle was called "Keiki O Ka Honua" or "boy from Earth." It was successfully launched in a test flight last June 28, 2014.
A full dress rehearsal for the LDSD project was held on May 29 in preparation for the second test flight.
