The Application of the Paraglider to Spacecraft Recovery 640039
The performance of the Paraglider spacecraft recovery system is described in terms of wing aerodynamic characteristics, glide range, maneuver capabilities, and landing trajectories. Factors that influence the wing-spacecraft rigging design, the flight control scheme, and the wing loading are discussed. With the current state of the art of inflatable wing design, a glide range of the order of 25 miles can be obtained from an initial altitude of 40,000 ft. Wing loadings between 5 and 20 lb/sq ft permit adequate maneuver capabilities and acceptable touchdown sink rates with satisfactory margin on flare initiation altitude.
