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Three main parachutes were deployed during Earth landing from the Apollo command module. The main parachutes were opened by the pilot parachutes at 10,000 feet, and slowed the rate of descent of the command module from 175 miles per hour to 22 miles per hour. In the case of the failure of one parachute (as happened to Apollo 15, the mission to which this particular parachute was attached), the remaining two would be able to decelerate the module to 25 miles per hour. These parachutes held the command module at 27.5 degrees so the module's slanted corner would penetrate the water first, lessening the impact force. After splashdown, the risers of the main parachutes were cut and the parachutes released.

Northrop Ventura made this main "ringsail" and it was transferred by NASA to the Smithsonian in 1970. The detailed history of this unit is unknown.

 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
Type EQUIPMENT-Parachutes Manufacturer Northrop Ventura
 Dimensions Approximate: 40.64 x 873.76 x 345.44cm (1ft 4in. x 28ft 8in. x 11ft 4in.)
 Materials Synthetic Fabric, Aluminum, Nylon, Steel, Plastic, Brass
 Inventory Number A19700201000 Credit Line Transferred from NASA, Manned Spacecraft Center. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.