| Sequence from the aeroshell camera, showing rocket motor ignition, parachute deployment, and payload separation. In the mid-1960's, in preparation for the Viking space missions, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) performed upper atmosphere parachute tests to simulate the low density atmosphere of a Martian environment. These two videos are a sample of some of the testing performed. Pioneer designed and manufactured this 19.7 meter diameter Disk-Gap-Band parachute under subcontract to G.T. Schjeldahl. This system is carried into the upper atmosphere via balloon, and then accelerated via Rocket to simulate re-entry into a very low density atmosphere. As the rocket fires traveling away from Earth, you can see the balloon in the background. Sequence from payload camera showing parachute deployment and inflation (low speed). Parachute was damaged upon opening by miscellaneous debris from launch/deployment. |