Science

Manned DIY Space Capsule Chute Jump — Step by Step Updates

To test a parachute for a do-it-yourself space capsule, a skydiver jumped out of an airplane and pulled the ripcord. Rocket Shop blogger Kristian von Bengtson shows how the test went using photos and video.
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Capsule main chute packed and ready for static line deployment manned jump. Image: Morten Bulskov

These are images and video sent from the Copenhagen Suborbitals crew who are performing the manned jump todays with a DIY capsule parachute, in the north part of Denmark.

As images are sent to me I will add them....

Part 1:

Part 2:
Waiting for low winds.

Part 3:
Getting ready and suited up.

Jumper Thomas Pontoppidan suited up for DIY chute jump. Image: Thomas Pedersen

Part 4:
Jump performed with slow performing slider.

Thomas Pontoppidan Jumping with Tycho Deep Space main chute. Image: NJFK

Tycho Deep Space main chute from the view of Thomas Pontoppidan . Image: Thomas Pontopidan/NJFK

Thomas Pontoppidan using the main chute. Image: Thomas Pedersen

Part 5:
Parachute located in a tree app 4 km away after being release at 1.5 km altitude. Minor damages (nothing serious). No more jumps.

Main parachute found in tree. Image: Mads Stenfatt

Conclusions so far: The slider systems worked well providing approximately 12 seconds of deployment opening. Due to the minor damages, we will not be performing any more jumps today.

This evening I spoke to jumper Thomas Pontoppidan to congratulate him and to give him my thanks and appreciations on behalf of Copenhagen Suborbitals for this big help. The development of the parachutes has come a long way with Søren Gregersen and Mads Stenfatt in charge. Also, a big thanks to Copenhagen Suborbitals crew Mads Stenfatt, Morten Bulskov and Thomas Pedersen for spending time and effort on this test Sunday 3, 2012 on the one-year anniversary of the launch of HEAT1X/Tycho-Brahe.

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Kristian von Bengtson