NASA is investing $600,000 in developing giant airbags that could one day replace traditional heat-shielding for spacecraft entering the Earth's atmosphere.
In theory, the airbag would be inflated with pressurised gas just before re-entry. The design relies on the airbag allowing some of its gas to escape, providing a buffer between the atmosphere and the airbag material. As the craft plunges through the atmosphere, the escaping gas would be heated up and carry the heat away from the shield.
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2 comments:
Hmmm...Could work....still going to end up in the sea? Or bounce about on land like a giant superball until the thing deflates? What kinda gas?
Uh ummm duh I didnt read far enough..lol have to be inert wouldn't it?
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