Adaptable Deployable Entry and Placement Technology (ADEPT) Flight Testing

ADEPT (Adaptable, Deployable Entry Placement Technology) is a game changing technology development project within the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) to develop, test and demonstrate a deployable aeroshell concept as a viable thermal protection system (TPS) for entry, descent and landing (EDL) of science and exploration class payload missions. The entry system concept consists of a series of deployable ribs and struts, connected with a flexible fabric skin which when deployed functions as a semi-rigid aeroshell entry system to perform entry, descent and landing (EDL) functions. In addition to acting as the aeroshell structural surface, the fabric skin serves as the primary component of the EDL thermal protection system (TPS). This concept will be used to safely deploy scientific payloads or enable long term human exploration to other planets.
Feature article (Sep 2018)
ADEPT, A Mechanically Deployable Re-Entry Vehicle System, Enabling Interplanetary CubeSat and Small Satellite Missions
ADEPT SR-1 Flight Experiment Fact Sheet
ADEPT sounding rocket one (SR-1) flight experiment overview
NASA Edge interview with ADEPT Principal Investigator Paul Wercinski [May 26, 2016]
Dandelander Mission Concept

This mechanically deployable semi-rigid aeroshell entry technology will benefit a variety of existing launch vehicle systems and planetary or Earth return missions for the commercial space industry, future NASA missions and other government agencies such as the Department of Defense.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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