NASA is about to send this sci-fi flying pie into the far reaches of Earth’s atmosphere, then watch it fall back to earth. The testing starts at 2:15 PM EST, and we’ve got a live feed for you right here after the jump.
https://www.ustream.tv/embed/recorded/5808990?v=3&wmode=direct
Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream
This crazy contraption is the Low Density Supersonic Decelerator, a parachute-like landing vehicle meant to gently drop equipment (and maybe someday humans?) on the surface of Mars. Today’s test will have the LDSD strapped to a huge weather balloon, which will float to the bare edge of our atmosphere, then drop the flying saucer on a (hopefully!) controlled descent back down over Hawaii and into the ocean.
https://gizmodo.com/this-flying-saucer-will-be-plummeting-through-the-skies-1578735977
Our pals over at io9 have a closer look at this wonderfully wacky-looking vehicle. Go check it out!
Top image: NASA/JPL-Caltech
