Final high altitude drop test for ExoMars
Vorticity successfully conducts another high altitude drop test for the ExoMars parachutes.
The new high-altitude drop test (nHADT) mission was completed successfully by Vorticity in partnership with ESA and SSC in Kiruna, Sweden. A drop test vehicle designed and qualified by Vorticity was lifted to 30km in altitude by a helium balloon. Once the target altitude had been achieved, the drop sequence was initiated and the vehicle was released from the balloon. Vorticity used propreitary software which used weather predictions to predict the flight trajectory of the vehicle, to ensure safe landing. The drogue and main parachutes were deployed in the correct sequence using a series of timed pyrotechnics. After the drop vehicle had safely landed, Vorticity and SSC boarded the helicopter and searched for the vehicle around the northern plains of Sweden.