Uploaded July 2012 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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The first launch attempt for the third Inflatable Reentry Vehicle Experiment (IRVE-3) is currently (i.e., as of July 12) scheduled for July 21, 2012.

IRVE-3 is an innovative inflatable heat shield technology that could allow engineers to navigate much larger instrument packages through atmospheres than the rigid heat shields we use today.

Credit: NASA