The Stardust Sample Return Capsule Parachute Recovery System

The Stardust program is the fourth in a series of NASA Discovery missions developed and operated under NASA’s “Better, Faster, Cheaper” principle. Launched in February 1999, the mission includes the collection of cometary particles for return to Earth, landing on the Utah Test and Trainiug Range in January 2006. This paper describes the Parachute Recovery System for the Sample Return Capsule. A Disk-Gap-Band drogue parachute is deployed at approximately 105,000 ft altitude. At approximately 8000 ft altitude, a Triconical main parachute is deployed by the separating drogue. The main parachute is separated from the capsule at ground impact. Key considerations leading to the selection and design of these parachutes are described. The paper also includes descriptions of developed hardware and significant testing conducted to validate and qualify the system. A brief description of major challenges that were overcome are included in the conclusion.