Estes 2206 – NASA SLS Chute Deployment Concern

The first flight for the SLS encountered a problem with chute deployment due to the way the boosters are attached the main body tube. There are plastic tabs on the inside of the primary body tube to secure the boosters to the primary body tube that can interfere with chute deployment, in my case a shroud line got caught on ejection on a tab.   This prevented the chute from ejecting from the body tube. 

Thankfully the shape of the rocket resulted in it coming down horizontal, slowing it enough there was no damage. 

My field solution was to cover the tabs on the inside of the primary body tube with masking tape and the 2nd fight went like clockwork. Absolutely flew beautiful with perfect recovery.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *