NASA judge LDSD test flight a success, despite parachute failure

(LDSD being recovered from the ocean – Photo Credit: NASA/JPL – Caltech)

The first test flight of NASA’s Low-Density Supersonic Decelerator (LDSD) has been deemed a success, despite the craft suffering a ‘hard landing’ in the ocean when its descent parachute failed to fully deploy.

Update: weather postpones NASA launch

(The craft in the clean room – Photo Credit: Susan Karlin)

The launch of NASA’s new saucer-shaped vehicle, part of the Low-Density Supersonic Decelerator project (LDSD), has had it’s first test flight scrubbed.

A statement by the space agency explains: “Due to weather conditions, there will be no launch of the LDSD test vehicle tomorrow. Other potential launch dates include June 7, 9, 11, and 14”.

The rocket-powered craft had undergone final assembly at the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii and was preparing for lift off today. However the next possible launch window will be on 11th June.

To read more about the LDSD project, and to view pictures of NASA’s incredible new spacecraft, click here.

For updates on the launch, you can visit NASA’s website here.