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Author
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Topic: Photo of the week 206 (October 11, 2008)
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heng44
Member Posts: 3387
From: Netherlands
Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 10-11-2008 02:35 AM
   
 This photo shows the deployment of the three main parachutes, as the Apollo 16 command module is falling towards splashdown after the fifth lunar landing mission in April 1972. I believe this is the only time this was photographed during the manned missions. Television pictures even showed an earlier scene of the CM's drogue chutes pulling the mains out. Thanks to Joel Powell for the suggestion. Ed Hengeveld |
gliderpilotuk
Member Posts: 3398
From: London, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 10-11-2008 08:45 AM
Spectacular! thanks Ed.Paul |
Prospero
Member Posts: 94
From: Manchester, UK
Registered: Mar 2006
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posted 10-11-2008 10:40 AM
Very nice!
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heng44
Member Posts: 3387
From: Netherlands
Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 10-13-2008 10:07 AM
Here are some photos from live TV, showing the Apollo 16 command module coming down: 
On the drogue chutes (this was taken before the photo above). 
The drogues are away and the three main chutes are pulled out. Unfortunately there was some interference at the exact moment the drogues were cast off. 
The mains continue to be pulled out. |
heng44
Member Posts: 3387
From: Netherlands
Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 10-13-2008 10:10 AM
The main parachutes begin to blossom. 
This is about the moment the B&W photo was taken. 
Almost fully deployed... I guess this is a pretty unique sequence, not seen during any of the other missions. Ed |
Philip
Member Posts: 5952
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 10-13-2008 10:27 AM
So there were 3 main chutes (one collapsed during return of Apollo 15 but a pair could hold the capsule without problems)... but how many pilot-chutes (smaller chutes which assist the opening of the main chutes)? |
heng44
Member Posts: 3387
From: Netherlands
Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 10-13-2008 10:32 AM
There were two drogue chutes to stabilize the CM for the mains to deploy. The three mains were pulled out by three smaller pilot chutes (hope I use the correct names). These can be seen dangling above the mains in splashdown photos.Ed |
Lou Chinal
Member Posts: 1306
From: Staten Island, NY
Registered: Jun 2007
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posted 10-13-2008 11:06 AM
Yes, Ed you used the correct terms. There were two drogues and three pilot chutes. The rate of descent under three canopies was 27 feet per second. Under two fully inflated mains about 33 fps. Mercury was designed to land at about 30 fps., as a point of contrast.-Lou |
Apollo Redux
Member Posts: 346
From: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Registered: Sep 2006
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posted 10-27-2008 10:43 PM
WOW!An outstanding sequence. Thank you for the post. |
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