MOSCOW, May 30 (AVN) - The Lavochkin research and production centre will host a presentation of a new inflatable brake system for spaceship on Wednesday, Alexander Medvedchikov, Russian Air and Space Agency deputy director told the Military News Agency.
The system was designed in collaboration with international research and technology centre, the European space agency, and Daimler Chrysler Aerospace corporation, the deputy director said.
According to him, the system is intended for landing cargo from Earth-orbits. As it gradually enters the atmosphere, and the air pressure is growing the system inflates itself to the size necessary for a normal landing. The system was tested in a space flight in February 2000 when it was used to land a dummy-load.
Specialists say, the inflatable brake system has a series of advantages if compared to a standard parachute. It is more reliable, cheaper and is multiple-use. Foreign space companies have already shown their interest in the new system.