Development of Parachute System for Large-Scale Sample Return Capsule

Abstract

In future sample return mission, a large-scale sample return capsule will be required to take more amount of the materials. We performed a conceptual study of a parachute system for such mission. In this mission, a two-stage parachute system with drogue and main parachutes has been proposed to avoid the large opening shock with single stage parachute system. For evaluating the drag area and the loss of the drogue chute, low speed wind tunnel tests are performed. In addition, the drag area and the opening load factor of the main chute are evaluated with the helicopter drop tests.