1. A parachute-like device that combines a balloon and parachute, used to slow the descent of spacecraft, missiles, or other objects during reentry or landing.
Usage: technical; aerospace engineering

Examples

• The spacecraft deployed its ballute to reduce speed during atmospheric reentry.
• Engineers designed a ballute system to safely recover the experimental vehicle.
• The ballute inflated as the probe entered the upper atmosphere.
• A combination of a balloon and parachute, the ballute proved effective for the mission.