Parachute fails on Nasa’s ‘flying saucer’ test

‘Flying saucer’ being tested as a landing vehicle for missions to Mars; next test will be in 2016

(Nasa)

A parachute designed to allow Nasa’s ‘flying saucer’ - otherwise known as its Low-Density Supersonic Decelerator (LDSD) - glide down to Earth has failed to inflate in its latest test.

The 'flying saucer' is considered crucial for future manned missions to Mars; but Nasa has faced setbacks in this area. During the first test in June 2014 the parachute tore on descent; this second attempt failed; and the earliest LDSD can be tested again is next year.

The purpose of the test was to simulate the high speeds expected on a descent to Mars; but the 30-foot parachute failed to open properly, causing the 3,000 kilogram spacecraft to plummet from 180,000 feet into the Pacific Ocean.

Nasa said the incident has demonstrated the value of these tests; but the groans audible on the video above tell a story of disappointment.

Fingers crossed, it’ll be third time lucky for the ‘flying saucer’.