Issued patent
Transformable Hypersonic Aerodynamic Decelerator
An issued NASA patent from the Technology Transfer catalog.
About this technology
Overview
NASA has developed a game changing deployable aeroshell concept for entry, descent and landing (EDL) of large science and exploration-class payloads.The Adaptable, Deployable Entry Placement Technology (ADEPT) concept is a mechanically deployable semi-rigid aeroshell entry system capable of achieving low ballistic coefficient during entry suitable for a variety of planetary or earth return missions. It leverages Ames expertise in Thermal Protection systems (TPS) material and entry system design, development and testing. The deployable decelerator systems offer a lighter-weight solution to current rigid, high ballistic coefficient aeroshells. The deployable feature of ADEPT allows each mission to utilize an entry system design that fits within existing launch vehicle systems and later transforms into a low ballistic coefficient configuration for EDL. Consisting of rigid ribs and a TPS, deployment can be done for inspection in Earth orbit by extending the ribs and stretching the TPS in between (in a method similar to an opening umbrella) and thereby reducing the mission risk.