Phoenix parachute question

tttccc · Post by **tttccc** » Sun May 25, 2008 9:38 pm

After the parachute detaches and the craft lands, what is keeping the chute from falling on the craft and covering its instruments?

Dr. Skeptic · Post by **Dr. Skeptic** » Mon May 26, 2008 5:01 am

tttccc wrote:After the parachute detaches and the craft lands, what is keeping the chute from falling on the craft and covering its instruments?

A programed maneuver by the lander's thrusters.

iamlucky13 · Post by **iamlucky13** » Mon May 26, 2008 5:15 pm

Right.

The parachute actually detaches before landing. The final descent is thrusters only. Theoretically the wind should blow the parachute and backshell further than the lander because their less dense, but just in case, the lander aims itself slightly upwind.

The Phoenix team had a good article about some of the engineering challenges they faced and how they overcame them, including the your parachute question.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/phoen ... 80508.html

tttccc · Post by **tttccc** » Mon May 26, 2008 8:45 pm

Thanks all,
good answers, good link!

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Tue May 27, 2008 3:00 pm

Like this?
(14-22 secs. in)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjiGH9QNiU0
John

makc · Post by **makc** » Wed May 28, 2008 4:31 pm

This one is good, too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ajsXzTFLYA

THX1138 · Post by **THX1138** » Fri May 30, 2008 3:07 am

On the nasa tv site today there was a report of sustained 15 mph north easterly winds at the landing site, sure hope that, that wind stays that direction. Sure would be a drag to have that parachute come back to haunt us.

USA #1 Good to be home you-all

I never met a weapon I didn't like. Ronald Regan (1989)

Starship Asterisk*

Phoenix parachute question

Phoenix parachute question

Re: Phoenix parachute question

Thanks