Payload systems and tracking algorithms for photogrammetricmeasurement of parachute shape

摘要

Parachute systems play a critical role in many science and military missions. Currently, NASA and the U.S. Army airdelivery systems programs are evaluating measurement technologies to support experimental and qualification testing ofnew and modified parachute concepts. Experiments to validate the concept of parachute shape measurement have beenconducted in a controlled, indoor environment using both fixed and payload cameras. The paper will provide furtherdetail on the rationale for the experiments, the design of the payload systems, the indoor and outdoor testing, and thesubsequent data analysis to track and visualise the shape of the parachute.