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. The IRDT Fregat payload diameter after 1st stage inflation was x m and 2nd stage 14 m (acting as parachute).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.
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