Chute test for Mars lander

Posted by tourdemars to Mars Express at October 18, 2002 12:00 PM

Final tests are being conducted on the main parachute that will carry a European lander down on to the surface of Mars next year. The chute will help slow the descent of Beagle 2 after it is jettisoned from the main probe, Mars Express, which will go into orbit around the Red Planet. The parachute has been designed by famous balloonist Per Lindstrand from a special nylon - a very much lighter material than that used to make normal chutes on Earth.