Subteam Leads

Overview

"Recovery" refers to the system that allows for a safe return of a flight vehicle and it's payload after launch. The Recovery Subteam deals primarily with:

• Parachute Deployment
  • Pyrotechnics
    • Black Powder
    • Nitrocellulose
  • Deployment Mechanisms
    • Tender Descenders
    • Pistons
    • Pin pull mechanisms
    • Parachute Reefing
• Descent under Parachutes
  • Parachute research, design, and fabrication
  • Descent rates
  • Deployment loads
• System Qualification and Testing
• Ground Testing

Interfaces

An effective Recovery system must interface with other subsystems, including:

• Avionics: The Avionics Subteam controls the command, timing, and sequence of parachute deployment
• Propulsion: The Recovery Subteam must protect the launch vehicle from aerodynamic heating during rapid ascent
• Payload: If necessary, the Recovery Subteam must provide an independent Payload Recovery system
• Structures: Both Recovery and Structures Subteams must ensure that vehicle hardware can withstand the expected upper-bounds of chute deployment loads