ExoMars 2022 parachute for landing on Mars damaged, but tests were first recognized as successful after failed attempts in 2019 and 2020

The press service of Roscosmos spoke about the first successful high-altitude tests of the parachute system of the ExoMars 2022 mission. The tests were carried out in the Swedish city of Kiruna after several weeks of waiting due to bad weather and strong winds.

ExoMars 2022 parachute for landing on Mars damaged, but tests were first recognized as successful after failed attempts in 2019 and 2020

As part of the tests, the 15-meter main parachute of the first stage worked without remarks at supersonic speed, the 35-meter parachute of the second stage was slightly damaged, but routinely reduced the speed of the model of the landing platform.

According to Roskosmos, testing and refining parachutes is a priority after a series of unsuccessful high-altitude tests in 2019 and 2020.

During each of the tests, the model of the lander was raised to an altitude of 29 km using a stratospheric balloon. After the drop, the pilot chute was opened, then the main parachutes were pulled out of the toroidal bags under controlled pulling.

ExoMars 2022 parachute for landing on Mars damaged, but tests were first recognized as successful after failed attempts in 2019 and 2020

The next two tests are due October-November 2021 in Oregon, USA. The previously discovered drawbacks associated with the friction of the canopy against the parachute bag have already been eliminated.

ExoMars Program Manager Thierry Blanker said:

We are pleased to announce that the main parachute of the first stage performed excellently. We have a ready-made supersonic parachute that can be sent to Mars. ”

The launch of the Russian Proton-M launch vehicle with the ExoMars 2022 station is scheduled for September 22, 2022. The lander is slated to land on Mars in June 2023.

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