NASA launched a “flying saucer” into Earth’s atmosphere Saturday in a test of new technology that could help explore the surface of Mars, NBC News reported. A large helium balloon will lift the device, called a low-density supersonic decelerator, 120,000 feet. The ascent, which began at the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii, is planned to take two to three hours. Once the device reaches the proper altitude, the saucer-shaped vehicle will be dropped to Earth to test the capabilities of newly developed parachutes.
