Parachute Dynamic Extraction Test for ExoMars

In December 2019 and January 2020, Vorticity led a pivotal series of Dynamic Extraction Testing (DET) campaigns at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), aimed at refining the parachute extraction process for the ExoMars RSP mission. These tests used a state-of-the-art compressed air system to simulate the forces experienced during parachute deployment, ensuring that the main parachutes were successfully extracted from their bags at representative flight speeds.

This testing campaign was a direct response to damage observed during the 2019 high-altitude drop tests, where parachute deployment systems encountered frictional issues during extraction. The core issue was traced back to the parachute bags themselves, which were inhibiting smooth deployment.Vorticity collaborated with key partners on improving the design of the deployment bags to ensure smoother parachute extraction at speeds approaching 200 km/h.

Joe whilst setting up the extraction rig test.

The results of the testing campaign were clear: the newly designed deployment bags allowed for a smooth extraction of the parachutes, ensuring the system’s readiness for mission-critical use. These successful tests demonstrated Vorticity’s ability to work under pressure, providing robust, reliable testing solutions to the complex challenges of spaceflight.