Understanding the Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (IAD)

The IAD is a novel technique that is primarily used for atmospheric entry payloads.

• The implementation of this technique could potentially revolutionize the recovery of spent rocket stages in a cost-effective manner and facilitate the safe landing of payloads on other celestial bodies.

The Composition of IAD

• The IAD comprises an inflatable envelope and an inflatant such as air or helium. It inflates like a balloon while entering the atmosphere, thereby decelerating the lander.
• The inflatant is engineered to fill the inflatable envelope in such a way that it envelops the payload intended to enter the atmospheric conditions of a planet or satellite, resulting in its deceleration due to the aerodynamic forces.
• Essentially, the purpose of the IAD is to amplify the drag when entering the atmosphere of Earth, Mars, the Moon, or any other planetary body.

ISRO's Contribution to IAD Technology

ISRO's version of the IAD was designed and developed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSS) in Thiruvananthapuram.

• The IAD was successfully launched in the Rohini 300 (RH300Mk Ⅱ) sounding rocket from the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS).
  • The Rohini series of sounding rockets, developed by ISRO , are capable of carrying payloads ranging from 2 to 200 kilograms to altitudes between 100 and 500 kilometres. Similar models include RH 200, RH300, and others.
• ISRO's IAD was inflated at an altitude of approximately 84 km. It is constructed from Kevlar fabric, a synthetic fibre resistant to atmospheric and temperature changes. It also features a coating of polychloroprene, a rubber that is resistant to oil, wax, and extreme temperatures.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) has already tested advanced versions of this technology, including supersonic and hypersonic variants.

The Importance of ISRO’s Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator

• The IAD technology could potentially be implemented in ISRO's missions to Venus and Mars, making it a critical component of interplanetary missions.
• This marks the first occasion where the IAD has been specifically designed for spent stage recovery.

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