NASA to launch a huge inflatable heat shield into space.

This is being done mainly to make the landing process on Mars much easier.

Basically, it would be in the form of a large flying saucer like inflatable heat shield.

It will be launched to low earth orbit this week.

It will demostrate how the heat shield can act as a giant brake to slow down a future Mars spacecraft.

This technology could support landing crew and large robotic missions on Mars.

It will become the largest blunt body aeroshell to ever go through atmospheric entry during this test.

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