IRDT-Fregat

IRDT-Fregat (Heatshield not deployed)

IRDT-Fregat (1st cascade of heatshield deployed)

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.

The first test flight orbited the IRDT 1 payload and the Fregat stage, which was also equipped with an IRDT shield. It was planned to bring back the stage with this device for investigation of possible reuse, but it has not been found, after it descended in a snow storm. Possibly it has been found by scavengers and sold as scrap metal.