It inflated into a flattened cone shape while in space.
It uses high-tech materials to withstand conditions in space and the brutal heat of moving through the atmosphere.
It’s not easy coming back down to Earth.
It’s a spectacular view.
This means Loftid could help deliver larger and heavier payloads to the Martian surface.
The recovery crew fished Loftid out of the water.
The aeroshell is about 20 feet (6 meters) in diameter.
ULA CEOTory Bruno shareda dramatic video of the recovery operation.
That information will help evolve future versions of the design.
One day, we may see a Loftid-style aeroshell in action someplace other than Earth.
