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Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (IAD)

Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (IAD)- Relevance for UPSC Exam

General Studies III- Science and Technology.

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The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully tested a technology that could aid the cost-effective recovery of spent rocket stages and safely land payloads on other planets.

What is IAD?

  • IAD is a technique used for an atmospheric entry payload.
  • An inflatable envelope and an inflatant (anything that inflates the envelope, like air or helium) make up the inflatable aerodynamic decelerator.
  • While entering the atmosphere, it inflates like a balloon and decelerates the lander.
  • The inflatant is designed to fill the inflatable envelope to a condition such that it surrounds the payload meant to enter the atmosphere of a planet or satellite and causes aerodynamic forces to slow it down.
  • In simpler words, IAD is designed to increase drag upon entering the atmosphere of any planetary body, like Earth, Mars, or even Moon.
  • Its shape is maintained by a closed, gas-pressured body and the inflatant gas is also generated internally. Some versions also use ram air or both.

How significant is this IAD?

  • Some space agencies, including NASA, have already successfully tested advanced versions of the technology, including the supersonic and hypersonic variants.
  • However, for near future missions of ISRO, the current version that it tested is perfect.
  • Its use was first proposed by NASA more than 50 years ago for planetary entries.

Minuscule of ISRO’s IAD

  • The IAD tested by ISRO was inflated at an altitude of around 84 km and the sounding rocket’s cargo dropped through the atmosphere on it.
  • It is fitted with a booster motor. It also has a spin rocket that is ejectable.
  • The inflatable structure is made out of Kevlar fabric, which is a very strong synthetic fiber and also heat resistant to withstand atmospheric pressure and temperature changes.
  • On top of it, it’s coated with polychloroprene, an oil and wax resistant rubber, to withstand extreme temperatures.
  • In the inflation system, it uses compressed nitrogen stored in a bottle.
  • It has consistently decreased the payload’s velocity through aerodynamic drag while maintaining the expected trajectory during the test flight.

Where does ISRO intend to use it?

  • The IAD will help ISRO in performing many space tasks effectively including recovery of spent stages of rockets, for landing payloads on missions to other planetary bodies.
  • This is the first instance where an IAD has been specially created for spent stage recovery.
  • So inter-planetary missions are certainly one aspect that ISRO wishes to explore.

 

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FAQs

What does IAD stands for?

IAD stands for Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator.

What does ISRO stands for?

ISRO stands for Indian Space Research Organization.

What is Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator?

IAD is a technique used for an atmospheric entry payload. An inflatable envelope and an inflatant (anything that inflates the envelope, like air or helium) make up the inflatable aerodynamic decelerator.