Ares Parachute Test in Yuma

NASA and ATK successfully conducted an Ares I main cluster parachute test at the U.S. Army Proving Grounds in Yuma, Arizona. The test was conducted on May 20, 2009. It involved three 150-feet diameter parachutes lowering a 41,500 test weight to the desert floor. The parachute system will be used to recover the first stage of Ares I. It will also be used to recover the first stage of Ares I-X following its test flight this fall. Photo Credit: U.S. Army Proving Ground