Sophisticated Balloons Could Help Steer Spacecraft

coondoggie writes "Getting spacecraft traveling at hypersonic speeds to slow down and land or achieve a particular orbit on a dime is no easy feat. But researchers are developing a tool that will let engineers model and ultimately build advanced flight control systems that meld balloon and parachute technologies known as a ballute (BALLoon-parachUTE). Basically a ballute is a large, inflatable device that takes advantage of atmospheric drag to decelerate and capture a spacecraft into orbit around a planet, according to NASA who is funding Global Aerospace to build such a tool."

Comments

Re:Colbert

[oodaloop]

Let's say they did open more names to write-ins and respect all submissions. Do you really want everything to be named Colbert?

Future News: "The Colbert shuttle docked at Space Station Colbert earlier today after leaving Lunar Colony Colbert 1. After refitting for supplies, it will re-land on Lunar Colony Colbert 2 tomorrow."