The LOFTID mission is designed to enhance spacecraft protection for future Mars missions and larger cargo deliveries by utilizing inflatable heat shields.

This mission is the culmination of two decades of research on Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) technology, spearheaded by NASA Langley Research Center.

At the heart of the LOFTID mission is a groundbreaking 6-meter diameter inflatable heat shield, which represents the largest blunt body atmospheric entry to date.

The inflatable decelerator can be compacted for launch and deployed just before atmospheric entry, significantly improving aerodynamic stability and efficiency during re-entry.

Traditional rigid aeroshells limit payload sizes to 4-5 meters, which restricts the mass that can be safely returned from orbit.

LOFTID's project manager, Joe Del Corso, highlighted the potential of inflatable technology to increase down mass from 1.5 metric tons to between 20 and 40 metric tons.

Following the successful flight, NASA has attracted interest from various companies and agencies eager to utilize HIAD technology for upcoming missions.

The mission's aeroshell effectively protected the 1100 kg Reentry Vehicle, which successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after demonstrating impressive thermal and structural performance.

A larger aeroshell increases drag during re-entry, facilitating safer deceleration and landing, especially on planets with thin atmospheres like Mars.

In parallel, the ICARUS project aims to develop a system to protect cargo during re-entry and support Mars missions, backed by €10 million in funding.

Launched in June 2024, the ICARUS project is led by a consortium headed by Deimos and is funded by the European Commission to create a new inflatable heat shield.

On November 10, 2022, the LOFTID aeroshell successfully endured the extreme conditions of atmospheric reentry, reaching speeds of 8 km/s and decelerating at 9.5 g.