NASA has revealed that the Low-Density Supersonic Decelerator (LDSD) is going to take its first step on the road to Mars on Tuesday. The spacecraft is all set to take the 'spin table test' at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii.

The event will stream from 12 to 1 pm EST on NASA JPL's live stream and the craft is shaped similar to a flying saucer. According to experts, this table test is demonstration of how the craft is going to spin as it decelerates NASA's cargo during the descent.

The experts said that simple solutions, such as a parachute, are not effective to slow down a spacecraft to a safe speed because Mars has a much thinner atmosphere as compared to Earth. This is the reason NASA has to make use of creative solutions such as the sky crane that lowers Curiosity to the Martian surface.

As per experts, the LDSD is also intended to save on rocket fuel at the time of landings that will enable NASA to make use of the rockets for 'final maneuvers and landing procedures'. There is a possibility that LDSD might haul heavier cargo and land it at higher altitudes and will allow NASA to explore more varied terrain such as mountains and plateaus.

According to NASA, it will finally carry out full flight tests with its flying saucer in atmosphere of Earth. If it works, it will enable manned missions to safely descend to the Martian surface.

The LDSD project, part of NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, could develop hardware technologies for future manned and unmanned missions. This involves exploring technology, like the flying saucer-shaped vehicle. This vehicle is going to deliver large payloads on Mars surface and any other planetary bodies with an atmosphere.