Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
NASA to conduct Mars 'flying saucer' test on Earth
http://www.foxnews.com/science/2014/06/11/nasa-to-conduct-mars-flying-saucer-test-on-earth/LOS ANGELES – NASA is getting ready to launch a "flying saucer" into Earth's atmosphere to test technology that could be used to land on Mars.
For decades, NASA has depended on the same parachute design to slow spacecraft after they enter the Martian atmosphere. But it needs a larger and stronger parachute if it wants to land heavier objects and astronauts.
On Wednesday, weather permitting, a balloon carrying the saucer-shaped vehicle is set to launch from Hawaii. Then the vehicle will ignite its rocket engine and climb to 34 miles. It will inflate a tube to slow itself down from supersonic speeds and unfurl a parachute for a water landing.
Engineers will analyze the data to determine if the test was successful. The test has been postponed several times because of winds.
do, do, do, do dooooo (cue twilight zone music)
