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Apollo 15 main-parachute failureIn the investigation of the failure of one of the three main parachutes of the Apollo 15 spacecraft, which collapsed at approximately 1825 meters after operating properly from deployment at 3050 meters, three conditions considered to be possible causes of the failure were produced. The suspect conditions were the proximity of the forward heat shield that passed the spacecraft at approximately 1825 meters, the dumping of the reaction control system hypergolic propellants at approximately 1825 meters, and the failing of a riser link found on a recovered parachute. (The failed parachute was not recovered). The remaining two parachutes functioned as planned and averted a catastrophic failure. The conclusions concerning the cause of the failure are discussed.
Document ID
19730010152
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Arabian, D. D.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Mechelay, J. E.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1972
Publication Information
Publication: The 7th Aerospace Mech. Symp.
Subject Category
Aircraft
Accession Number
73N18879
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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