ExoMars Parachute Testing in Action
The ExoMars mission recently put its parachute system to the test in a unique way. Engineers from the European Space Agency (ESA) performed a scaled-up version of the classic egg-drop experiment. This innovative approach involved dropping the parachute from a stratospheric balloon that was as large as a football field, demonstrating the creativity and resourcefulness of the engineering team.
Instead of relying solely on vacuum chambers or wind tunnels, which are often used for spacecraft testing, the ESA team utilized a helicopter to drop the parachute. This method mimics the conditions experienced by spacecraft during their descent through the atmosphere. By conducting this test, engineers can gather valuable data, ensuring that ExoMars’s parachute system will function effectively during its mission to Mars.