Or even more futuristic, plasma parachute/heat shield: http://www.nasa.gov/offices/oct/early_stage_innovation/niac/2012_phase_I_fellows_kirtley.html http://www.

Or even more futuristic, plasma parachute/heat shield: http://www.nasa.gov/offices/oct/early_stage_innovation/niac/2012_phase_I_fellows_kirtley.html http://www.nasa.gov/offices/oct/early_stage_innovation/niac/...