A C-17 aircraft flies above the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona during testing of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner’s parachute system on June 26, 2019. This test, known as a “high Q” test, involved releasing a dart-shaped device – functioning as a Starliner weight simulant – from the aircraft and intentionally inflating the parachutes at higher pressures than expected during missions. The data gathered from this parachute test will help validate the system is safe to carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Boeing is targeting an uncrewed Orbital Flight Test to the space station this summer, followed by its Crew Flight Test. Starliner will launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Dart Test for CCP - Boeing CCPAT

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner’s parachute system is tested above the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona on June 26, 2019. This “high Q” test involved dropping a dart-shaped device – functioning as a Starliner weight simulant – from a C-17 aircraft and intentionally inflating the parachutes at higher pressures than expected during missions. The data gathered from this parachute test will help validate the system is safe to carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Boeing is targeting an uncrewed Orbital Flight Test to the space station this summer, followed by its Crew Flight Test. Starliner will launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Dart Test for CCP - Boeing CCPAT

A dart-shaped device, functioning as a Boeing CST-100 Starliner weight simulant, drops from a C-17 aircraft during parachute system testing at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona on June 26, 2019. This “high Q” test involved intentionally inflating the parachutes at higher pressures than expected during missions, to validate the system is safe to carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station. As part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, Boeing is targeting an uncrewed Orbital Flight Test to the space station this summer, followed by its Crew Flight Test. Starliner will launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Dart Test for CCP - Boeing CCPAT

A dart-shaped device, functioning as a Boeing CST-100 Starliner weight simulant, drops from a C-17 aircraft during parachute system testing at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona on June 26, 2019. This “high Q” test involved intentionally inflating the parachutes at higher pressures than expected during missions, to validate the system is safe to carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station. As part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, Boeing is targeting an uncrewed Orbital Flight Test to the space station this summer, followed by its Crew Flight Test. Starliner will launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Dart Test for CCP - Boeing CCPAT

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner’s parachute system, carrying a dart-shaped device functioning as a Starliner weight simulant, complete a successful landing at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona on June 26, 2019. This “high Q” test involved dropping the device from a C-17 aircraft and intentionally inflating the parachutes at higher pressures than expected during missions. The data gathered from this parachute test will help validate the system is safe to carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Boeing is targeting an uncrewed Orbital Flight Test to the space station this summer, followed by its Crew Flight Test. Starliner will launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Dart Test for CCP - Boeing CCPAT

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner’s parachute system is tested above the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona on June 26, 2019. This “high Q” test involved dropping a dart-shaped device – functioning as a Starliner weight simulant – from a C-17 aircraft and intentionally inflating the parachutes at higher pressures than expected during missions. The data gathered from this parachute test will help validate the system is safe to carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Boeing is targeting an uncrewed Orbital Flight Test to the space station this summer, followed by its Crew Flight Test. Starliner will launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Dart Test for CCP - Boeing CCPAT

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner’s parachute system is tested above the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona on June 26, 2019. This “high Q” test involved dropping a dart-shaped device – functioning as a Starliner weight simulant – from a C-17 aircraft and intentionally inflating the parachutes at higher pressures than expected during missions. The data gathered from this parachute test will help validate the system is safe to carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Boeing is targeting an uncrewed Orbital Flight Test to the space station this summer, followed by its Crew Flight Test. Starliner will launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Dart Test for CCP - Boeing CCPAT

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner’s parachute system is tested above the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona on June 26, 2019. This “high Q” test involved dropping a dart-shaped device – functioning as a Starliner weight simulant – from a C-17 aircraft and intentionally inflating the parachutes at higher pressures than expected during missions. The data gathered from this parachute test will help validate the system is safe to carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Boeing is targeting an uncrewed Orbital Flight Test to the space station this summer, followed by its Crew Flight Test. Starliner will launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Dart Test for CCP - Boeing CCPAT

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner’s parachute system is tested above the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona on June 26, 2019. This “high Q” test involved dropping a dart-shaped device – functioning as a Starliner weight simulant – from a C-17 aircraft and intentionally inflating the parachutes at higher pressures than expected during missions. The data gathered from this parachute test will help validate the system is safe to carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Boeing is targeting an uncrewed Orbital Flight Test to the space station this summer, followed by its Crew Flight Test. Starliner will launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Shown is the testing of the Main Parachute for the Ares/CLV first stage in support of the Ares/Constellation program at the Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. This image is extracted from high definition video and is the highest resolution available.

Advanced Concept

Boeing March 2019 Progress Photos

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner’s parachute systems successfully completed a “lawn dart” test at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona in February. The test involved dropping the dart from a C-17 aircraft. This reliability test was part of a special studies program NASA initiated to validate the robust design of Starliner’s parachute systems, and is an important milestone in proving the systems are ready to safely land Starliner. NASA and Boeing are preparing for the company’s uncrewed and crewed flight tests of Starliner as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which will return human spaceflight launches into low-Earth orbit from U.S. soil

Boeing March 2019 Progress Photos

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner’s parachute systems successfully completed a “lawn dart” test at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona in February. The test involved dropping the dart from a C-17 aircraft. This reliability test was part of a special studies program NASA initiated to validate the robust design of Starliner’s parachute systems, and is an important milestone in proving the systems are ready to safely land Starliner. NASA and Boeing are preparing for the company’s uncrewed and crewed flight tests of Starliner as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which will return human spaceflight launches into low-Earth orbit from U.S. soil

Boeing March 2019 Progress Photos

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner’s parachute systems successfully completed a “lawn dart” test at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona in February. The test involved dropping the dart from a C-17 aircraft. This reliability test was part of a special studies program NASA initiated to validate the robust design of Starliner’s parachute systems, and is an important milestone in proving the systems are ready to safely land Starliner. NASA and Boeing are preparing for the company’s uncrewed and crewed flight tests of Starliner as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which will return human spaceflight launches into low-Earth orbit from U.S. soil.

This spaceborne radar image shows the Pinacate Volcanic Field in the state of Sonora, Mexico, about 150 kilometers 93 miles southeast of Yuma, Arizona. The United States/Mexico border runs across the upper right corner of the image.

Space Radar Image of Pinacate Volcanic Field, Mexico

An Orion parachute development test takes place at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona, on April 17, 2012. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

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An Orion parachute test to qualify for mission with crew takes place at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona on Sept. 30, 2016. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

Testing parachutes for human flight

A drop test at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona qualifying Orion's parachute system for human spaceflight takes place on June 14, 2017. Part of Batch images transfer from Flickr.

6-14-2017 Parachute Drop Test

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6-14-2017 Parachute Drop Test

Testing parachutes for human flight

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6-14-2017 Parachute Drop Test

Testing parachutes for human flight

6-14-2017 Parachute Drop Test

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6-14-2017 Parachute Drop Test

Testing parachutes for human flight

6-14-2017 Parachute Drop Test

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Testing parachutes for human flight

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Boeing's Dart and Starliner Parachute System Test

Boeing conducted the first in a series of reliability tests of its CST-100 Starliner flight drogue and main parachute system by releasing a long, dart-shaped test vehicle from a C-17 aircraft over Yuma, Arizona. Two more tests are planned using the dart module, as well as three similar reliability tests using a high fidelity capsule simulator designed to simulate the CST-100 Starliner capsule’s exact shape and mass. In both the dart and capsule simulator tests, the test spacecraft are released at various altitudes to test the parachute system at different deployment speeds, aerodynamic loads, and or weight demands. Data collected from each test is fed into computer models to more accurately predict parachute performance and to verify consistency from test to test.

Boeing's Dart and Starliner Parachute System Test

Boeing conducted the first in a series of reliability tests of its CST-100 Starliner flight drogue and main parachute system by releasing a long, dart-shaped test vehicle from a C-17 aircraft over Yuma, Arizona. Two more tests are planned using the dart module, as well as three similar reliability tests using a high fidelity capsule simulator designed to simulate the CST-100 Starliner capsule’s exact shape and mass. In both the dart and capsule simulator tests, the test spacecraft are released at various altitudes to test the parachute system at different deployment speeds, aerodynamic loads, and or weight demands. Data collected from each test is fed into computer models to more accurately predict parachute performance and to verify consistency from test to test.

Boeing's Dart and Starliner Parachute System Test

Boeing conducted the first in a series of reliability tests of its CST-100 Starliner flight drogue and main parachute system by releasing a long, dart-shaped test vehicle from a C-17 aircraft over Yuma, Arizona. Two more tests are planned using the dart module, as well as three similar reliability tests using a high fidelity capsule simulator designed to simulate the CST-100 Starliner capsule’s exact shape and mass. In both the dart and capsule simulator tests, the test spacecraft are released at various altitudes to test the parachute system at different deployment speeds, aerodynamic loads, and or weight demands. Data collected from each test is fed into computer models to more accurately predict parachute performance and to verify consistency from test to test.

Boeing's Dart and Starliner Parachute System Test

Boeing conducted the first in a series of reliability tests of its CST-100 Starliner flight drogue and main parachute system by releasing a long, dart-shaped test vehicle from a C-17 aircraft over Yuma, Arizona. Two more tests are planned using the dart module, as well as three similar reliability tests using a high fidelity capsule simulator designed to simulate the CST-100 Starliner capsule’s exact shape and mass. In both the dart and capsule simulator tests, the test spacecraft are released at various altitudes to test the parachute system at different deployment speeds, aerodynamic loads, and or weight demands. Data collected from each test is fed into computer models to more accurately predict parachute performance and to verify consistency from test to test.

Boeing's Dart and Starliner Parachute System Test

Boeing conducted the first in a series of reliability tests of its CST-100 Starliner flight drogue and main parachute system by releasing a long, dart-shaped test vehicle from a C-17 aircraft over Yuma, Arizona. Two more tests are planned using the dart module, as well as three similar reliability tests using a high fidelity capsule simulator designed to simulate the CST-100 Starliner capsule’s exact shape and mass. In both the dart and capsule simulator tests, the test spacecraft are released at various altitudes to test the parachute system at different deployment speeds, aerodynamic loads, and or weight demands. Data collected from each test is fed into computer models to more accurately predict parachute performance and to verify consistency from test to test.

Orion teams perform an Orion Capsule Parachute Assembly System (CPAS) drop test using the Parachute Test Vehicle (PTV) at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona on Dec. 20, 2012. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

CPAS PTV Drop 12-20-12

The Orion team performed the first of a series of parachute development tests at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona, on Sept. 27, 2011. The photo shows the test article after it landed on the desert floor and the parachutes have been removed. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

Successful Orion parachute test!

CPAS PTV Drop 12-20-12

A successful Orion parachute test takes place at U.S. Army Yuma Proving ground in Arizona on March 8, 2017. This is the second test in a series of eight that will certify Orion's parachutes for human space flight.

3-8-2017 Orion Parachute Test

The Orion team performed the first of a series of development tests at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds on Sept. 27, 2011. The photo shows the test article after it landed on the desert floor and the parachutes have been removed.

Successful Orion parachute test!

3-8-2017 Orion Parachute Test

Preparing for final drop test in Yuma

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecraft’s complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsule’s descent for a safe landing on Earth.

Preparing for final drop test in Yuma

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecraft’s complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsule’s descent for a safe landing on Earth.

Preparing for final drop test in Yuma

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecraft’s complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsule’s descent for a safe landing on Earth.

Preparing for final drop test in Yuma

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecraft’s complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsule’s descent for a safe landing on Earth.

Preparing for final drop test in Yuma

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecraft’s complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsule’s descent for a safe landing on Earth.

Preparing for final drop test in Yuma

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecraft’s complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsule’s descent for a safe landing on Earth.

Preparing for final drop test in Yuma

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecraft’s complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsule’s descent for a safe landing on Earth.

Preparing for final drop test in Yuma

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecraft’s complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsule’s descent for a safe landing on Earth.

Preparing for final drop test in Yuma

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecraft’s complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsule’s descent for a safe landing on Earth.

Preparing for final drop test in Yuma

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecraft’s complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsule’s descent for a safe landing on Earth.

Preparing for final drop test in Yuma

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecraft’s complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsule’s descent for a safe landing on Earth.

Preparing for final drop test in Yuma

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecraft’s complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsule’s descent for a safe landing on Earth.

Preparing for final drop test in Yuma

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecraft’s complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsule’s descent for a safe landing on Earth.

Preparing for final drop test in Yuma

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecraft’s complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsule’s descent for a safe landing on Earth.

Preparing for final drop test in Yuma

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecraft’s complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsule’s descent for a safe landing on Earth.

Preparing for final drop test in Yuma

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecraft’s complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsule’s descent for a safe landing on Earth.

Preparing for final drop test in Yuma

The Orion team prepares the parachute test vehicle for the final drop test which will qualify Orion's parachutes for human flight on Sept. 10, 2018...On September 12, 2018 an Orion test capsule will be dropped from a C-17 aircraft at an altitude of more than six miles to verify the spacecraft’s complex system of 11 parachutes, cannon-like mortars, and pyrotechnic devices work in sequence to slow the capsule’s descent for a safe landing on Earth.

Orion Parachute Test Vehicle