A series of high altitude drop tests have been carried out to investigate the performance of several parachute types as part of a European Space Agency program researching potential subsonic parachutes for future Mars missions. One of the phenomena of interest was the tendency of parachutes to become less stable in low density atmospheres. Results obtained using a range of parachute types and sizes and payload masses were used to investigate stability critera and propose design metrics. This paper describes the design of the high altitude tests and test vehicles. The results of the tests are presented along with the results of reconstruction work using computer models. Finally, recommendations are made for the design of parachute systems intended to work in low density atmospheres.
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