This parachute is one of the three main parachutes deployed to safely "land" the Apollo 17 Command Module after its successful December 1972 lunar mission. The parachute system selected for the Apollo command module consisted of two ribbon drogue parachutes, which accomplished initial deceleration and stabilization. After disconnect the two drogue parachutes were followed by three pilot parachutes, which in turn extracted three ringsail main parachutes (only two of which would provide the rate of descent necessary for a safe water landing).
NASA transferred this parachute to the Museum and it was displayed at the Alabama Space and Rocket Center beginning in March 1973.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Parachutes
Manufacturer
Northrop Ventura
Dimensions
Approximate: 30.48 x 1061.72 x 314.96cm (1ft x 34ft 10in. x 10ft 4in.) (as photographed)
Materials
Ripstop nylon, Nylon, Synthetic fabric, Aluminum, Natural fabric, Adhesive
Inventory Number
A19740006000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA, Lyndon B. John Space Center
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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