Preliminary Design of the Supersonic Disk-Gap-band Parachute for Sample Retrieval Lander

The Sample Retrieval Lander Project is a key element of the planned joint Mars Sample Return Campaign by NASA and the European Space Agency. Sample Retrieval Lander requires landing a heavier payload than has ever been attempted on Mars. In support of this endeavor, a 24-meter diameter Disk-Gap-Band parachute is under development. The increased performance requirements of this parachute have driven an extensive preliminary design phase including broadcloth development, soft confluence testing, and mortar deployment system design and test. Working with multiple industry partners, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory has completed early testing on the parachute and mortar designs for Sample Retrieval Lander, and the system is prepared for a larger verification and validation test campaign.