NASA's Mars probe Orion completes first parachute test

NASA's Mars probe Orion completes first parachute test

Orion’s three main parachutes begin to unfurl after they are drawn out by three pilot parachutes. A test of the spacecraft’s parachute system was conducted Jan.2016

A dart-shaped test vehicle descended from the skies above the Arizona desert under Orion’s parachutes Wednesday, Jan. 13, successfully completing the final development test of the parachute system. NASA engineers evaluated modifications to the system for the last time before the start of qualification testing for Orion missions with astronauts.

During the test, engineers demonstrated that when the spacecraft is traveling faster during descent than in previous tests, Orion’s parachutes can properly deploy and withstand high-inflation loads. The dart-shaped vehicle allows engineers to simulate faster descent conditions than the capsule-shaped test article that has been used in many previous evaluations. The test also evaluated new, lighter-weight suspension line material for the parachutes saving a significant amount of mass.