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All of the U.S. manned spacecraft prior to the Space Shuttle returned to earth using systems of parachutes, which were deployed sequentially at various altitudes. To develop and test the earth landing systems, parachutes of various sizes and configurations were procured by NASA beginning in the early 1960s. Once the development and testing program was complete, a number of parachutes were declared surplus and offered to the Smithsonian for its collection.

The main chutes used by the Apollo Command Module were of the "ring sail" design. This parachute is one of the ring sail models used for development and testing in the Apollo program. At 88.1 ft in diameter, it is slightly larger than the 83.6 ft diameter models that were actually deployed.

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

Other: 1057 3/16 in. diameter (2685.29 cm)

Materials

Nylon, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Cadmium Plating

Inventory Number

A19731101000

Credit Line

Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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