SpaceX Successfully Tests Crew Dragon Landing Parachutes

If you happen to live in the desert well-nigh Coolidge, Ariz. and saw something cherry-red and white falling from the sky recently, don't exist alarmed.

It wasn't a UFO — it was just SpaceX testing out the parachute system information technology plans to use to land its manned Crew Dragon spacecraft back on World. The private spacecraft maker recently conducted its first successful test of the system as part of its final development and certification piece of work with NASA'south Commercial Coiffure Programme, the infinite agency announced Wednesday.

SpaceX, which is working with NASA to build a spacecraft that will accept astronauts to the ISS, carried out the test with a "mass simulator" that replicates the weight and shape of the spacecraft, connected to four red-and-white parachutes. The team released the imitation Crew Dragon and parachute organization from thousands of anxiety above the ground from a C-130 cargo shipping.

The test was meant to evaluate the four main parachutes, just did not include the so-called drogue chutes the full landing system will utilize.

"Afterward tests volition grow progressively more realistic to simulate as much of the actual atmospheric condition and processes the system will see during an operational mission," NASA said.

The thought is that the spacecraft will initially splash downwards to rubber in the ocean nether parachutes. SpaceX ultimately, however, wants to land the vessel upright on solid ground using eight SuperDraco engines. The visitor tested its propulsive landing arrangement in Texas this past November.

For a peek at the parachute test, check out the video below.

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.

About Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo is PCMag's expert on fettle and smart home products. Teaching yoga for well-nigh 10 years has helped her in evaluating a range of continued wellness products including fitness trackers, heart rate monitors, rowers, smart scales, stationary bikes, strength training machines, treadmills, and more than. Angela also tests smart abode devices from her ranch in Florida, including air purifiers, kitchen appliances, and robot vacuums, simply to name a few.