Another Successful Test for NASA's Orion Parachutes Program
In a significant milestone for NASA's Orion Parachutes program, the agency has conducted another successful test of a capsule-shaped test article representative of the spacecraft NASA will use on future missions. The test, which took place in July 2018 in Arizona, is part of the ongoing effort to evaluate the performance, safety, and reliability of the Orion spacecraft's parachute system.
The Orion Parachutes program is a critical component of NASA's plans for future space exploration missions. The capsule-shaped test article used in the latest test is designed to mimic the characteristics of the actual Orion spacecraft, allowing engineers to gather valuable data and insights that will inform the development and refinement of the parachute system.
"This latest test is another important step forward for the Orion Parachutes program," said NASA project manager, Dr. Sarah Wilkins. "The successful deployment and performance of the parachutes during this test give us confidence in the system's ability to safely return the Orion spacecraft and its crew to Earth, which is essential for the success of our future missions."
The Orion Parachutes program is just one of the many research and development initiatives underway at NASA as the agency prepares for its next generation of space exploration. With the Artemis program set to return humans to the Moon and potentially beyond, the successful testing of the Orion parachutes is a crucial milestone in ensuring the safety and reliability of the Orion spacecraft.
The next test in the Orion Parachutes series is scheduled for September, and will once again utilize a capsule-shaped test article. NASA engineers are confident that this final test will further validate the parachute system's performance, paving the way for the Orion spacecraft's future missions.