The team handling NASA’s flying saucer formally known as the Low-Density Supersonic Decelerator (LDSD) is in Hawaii, waiting for the right weather to start experiments.

The saucer is rocket-powered and comprises of an inflatable, doughnut-shaped device called the Supersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator and a parachute which is meant to withstand supersonic wind speeds.

The first field test of the LDSD happened in June 2014 at the US Navy's Pacific Missile Range in Kauai, Hawaii. A helium balloon lofted the payload up to 120,000 feet and then the rocket took the flying saucer up another 60,000 feet.

Inflatable decelerator worked, but as soon as the parachute opened, it broke apart. The platform went into the Pacific Ocean harder than it was expected, but the test was declared a success. Upon analysis it was concluded that a redesign of the parachute is needed. The new one is stronger, much more robust parachute.

Principal Investigator Ian Clark that though the tests flight could have taken place on Tuesday, NASA did not find the wave height to be favorable enough for safe recovery operations. Therefore, the balloon launch was postponed and would not happen before Wednesday.

Mark Adler, LDSD project manager, said that for about two weeks, attempts can be made for this month’s launch. People will be able to view the launch, as NASA will stream the video coverage through the NASA TV and Ustream.