Design and application of a parachute deployment mechanism for sounding rockets based on commonly available and affordable components

Abstract

Sounding rockets must be equipped with a proper recovery system enabling the safe return of all rocket modules to the ground. This requirement is achieved by a parachute recovery system triggered by various types of deployment mechanisms. The paper presents the process of designing and implementing a low-cost parachute deployment mechanism for use in sounding rockets. The design of the mechanism is based on commercially available CO2 cartridges, electric igniter and the original housing structure made using 3D printing technology. As a result of a number of experimental tests, the design details of the device were improved. Finally, successful verification tests were carried out on the operation of the developed parachute deployment mechanism on the finished sounding rocket structure.