Viking balloon launched decelerator testsThe Viking Project utilized a 16.2M diameter disk-gap-band parachute to successfully land two research spacecraft on the surface of Mars during the summer of 1976. Unique specifications were imposed upon both the decelerator system and the balloon systems which were employed to provide a high altitude launch platform for a rocket powered test vehicle. The performance and stability of the balloon system and the predictability of the test vehicle trajectory offered interesting challenges. Descriptions of the development work for suitable materials, fabrication techniques and peculiarities, and testing requirements for both the decelerator and balloon systems will be presented.
Document ID
19760063167
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Timmons, J. D. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, Va., United States)