Looks like NASA is now planning to head over to the Mars with humans as they have recently made their first test run on a rocket-powered sled. It was made by the US Naval Air Weapons Station at China Lake, California, in attempt to test inflatable and parachute decelerators to slow down a spacecraft before landing on planet surfaces like Mars or other destinations to improve landing accuracy and increase the altitude of safe landing-sites.

These new devices represent the first steps on the technology pathway to land humans, habitats and return rockets safely on Mars or other destinations. 

I’m not sure if they are just testing new methods or giving a hint at what to expect in the future, but whatever it is, this rocket sled looks awesome enough to give it a ride.

[Via: Gizmodo / NASA]
[Image credit: NASA ]
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