Last week, the European Space Agency deployed chutes over Sweden. Gif - European Space AgencyAs part of the European Space Agency's ongoing preparations for ExoMars, a dummy was lifted to high altitudes last week. The parachutes of the dummy were tested for structural integrity and reputation.AdvertisementMultiple parachutes were being evaluated in preparation for the ESA-Roscosmos ExoMars mission. It is scheduled to depart for Mars in September 2022. The 50-foot-wide main parachute of the first stage was used to slow down the test dummy, which fell at supersonic speeds. The 115-foot-wide main parachute of the second stage was next, and it did the job with minimal damage.We are very pleased to report that our first main parachute performed flawlessly: we now have a supersonic parachutist design that can fly to Mars," said Thierry Blancquaert (team leader for ExoMars) in an ESA press release. Blancquaert stated that at least two more opportunities will be available to test the parachute design in order to increase confidence.The deployed parachutist. Image by VorticityBlancquaert stated that although the second main parachute didn't perform flawlessly, it performed better than its previous runs. There were some instances when it failed to drop in 2019, 2020 and 2019. The ESA also ordered backup parachutes from the U.S. manufacturer who made the Perseverance Rover's parachute system. Each parachut was equipped with its own pilot chutes and the dummy was protected by a thermal shield. To ensure that the rocket propulsion system was slow enough before it touched down, a 20 second delay was added.The next drop test is scheduled for November or October of this year in Oregon.Continue reading: NASA's Mars 2020 Parachute Unfurls at Supersonic Speeds
