ULA's aeroshell idea, which Indiana Jones tested at maybe 6 km altitude, is set for testing in space next month. This nonablative aeroshell is built for high 1800s Kelvin (1600°C) and the low atmospheric pressures as found in a Martian atmosphere = Terran exosphere.
More being tested here is how well the six-meter-across 'shell will hold with a large mass behind it. So far our Martian landers have been fragile and small because, well, our rockets have been small (compared to SuperHeavy / Starship) and we don't assemble in space. As we come to a Starship era we'll be able to build more infrastructure in space (economically) and just to get more cargo up there in single jumps. So larger-mass interplanetary shipments will become a Thing.
Starship is also designed for landing on Mars, with propellant. But maybe we don't want to waste a Starship, or its propellant. There's also an accordion lander in development but, hey: over Mars, that can be used in tandem with the shield.
I ponder additionally about using Venus' higher-altitude atmosphere for practical aerobraking, when bringing cargo from outer planets to inner. Starting with Mercury missions.
UPDATE 11/14: Success.
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