Soyuz-U-PVB | IRDT 1

IRDT (Inflatable Re-Entry and Descent Technology) is a new technology to return payloads from orbit without a heavy heatshield and parachute system. A inflatable cone provides protection during reentry and a second inflatable extension of the cone reduces the speed further for a safe landing.

Mission Details

  • Launch date: February 8, 2000 at 11:20 PM UTC
  • Launch vehicle: Soyuz-U-PVB
  • Operator: Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS)
  • Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan
  • Mission type: Earth Science