New ADEPT for Planetary Missions

The Adaptable, Deployable Entry Placement Technology (ADEPT) Project will test and demonstrate a deployable aeroshell concept as a viable thermal protection system for entry, descent, and landing of science and exploration class payload missions. The ADEPT concept is a mechanically deployable semi-rigid aeroshell entry system that will achieve increased drag (lower ballistic coefficient) during entry, making it suitable for a variety of planetary or earth return missions, including Venus, Mars and Saturn.