Let us all know about what exactly an Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator or IAD is. ISRO recently announced that successful demonstration of a new technology using the IAD is finally done.
This technique, as defined, is used for an atmospheric entry payload. An inflatable envelope and an inflatant makes up the inflatable aerodynamic decelerator. This latest technique was developed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. During the initial test by ISRO, IAD was inflated at an altitude of 84km approx. The Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator is fitted with a booster motor. It also has an attachable spin rocket. The balloon structure is made of Kevlar fabric, which is a very strong synthetic fibre that is also heat resistant, allowing it to resist changes in temperature and pressure. It’s also coated with polychloroprene, an oil and wax resistant rubber that can withstand extreme temperatures.
Well there’s been enough knowledge to what an IAD is, but why exactly does ISRO use it? IAD will be helping ISRO in many ways, one of which is recovering the spent booster rockets. It will be the brand new deal for IAD to be designed particularly with the motive of spent stage recovery.
Chief S Somnath, the secretary of the Department of Space, on IAD’s launch said that this demo has quite literally succeeded in opening a path for cost-effective spent stage recovery by the help of the IAD technology. He even mentioned, ” This IAD technology can also be used in ISRO’s future missions to Venus and Mars,”. Well, other than the features and roles IAD and ISRO have to play for each other, inter planetary missions are also one such element that ISRO is expecting and willing to explore.
