A drop zone marker includes a parachute, a first light module connected to the parachute by a first length of cord and a second light module connected to the first light module by a second length of the cord. A ballast is connected to the second light module by a third length of the cord is provided for pulling downwardly the drop zone marker. The parachute is configured to include an integral packing/deployment bag within which all components of the drop zone marker are contained up until deployment.

A drop zone marker includes a parachute, a first light module connected to the parachute by a first length of cord and a second light module connected to the first light module by a second length of the cord. A ballast is connected to the second light module by a third length of the cord is provided for pulling downwardly the drop zone marker. The parachute is configured to include an integral packing/deployment bag within which all components of the drop zone marker are contained up until deployment.

Described are a parafoil for operation at high altitudes, in low density air, or at low airspeeds, and methods for opening same. The parafoil comprises flexible members connected to the parafoil canopy. When the parafoil canopy is in a stowed configuration, the members are deformed, storing elastic energy. When the canopy is released from its stowed configuration, the members spring back to their undeformed shapes, thereby opening or assisting with opening the canopy. The flexible members may also be attached to a base structure, which is attached to the payload. The members may comprise rods or hollow tubes that can be flexed using a fulcrum near the base structure, or a spacer plate, so that the ends connected to the canopy are restrained by a parachute bag containing the stowed or packed canopy. The parachute bag can be opened prior to or during detachment of the parafoil from the flight vehicle.

Described are a parafoil for operation at high altitudes, in low density air, or at low airspeeds, and methods for opening same. The parafoil comprises flexible members connected to the parafoil canopy. When the parafoil canopy is in a stowed configuration, the members are deformed, storing elastic energy. When the canopy is released from its stowed configuration, the members spring back to their undeformed shapes, thereby opening or assisting with opening the canopy. The flexible members may also be attached to a base structure, which is attached to the payload. The members may comprise rods or hollow tubes that can be flexed using a fulcrum near the base structure, or a spacer plate, so that the ends connected to the canopy are restrained by a parachute bag containing the stowed or packed canopy. The parachute bag can be opened prior to or during detachment of the parafoil from the flight vehicle.

A stabilizing parachute system with entanglement prevention capabilities for safely deploying a load from a high-altitude craft. The system includes an expandable container component coupled to the load, a strap coupled to the expandable container component, and a stabilizing parachute disposed within the expandable container component and coupled to the strap. The system further includes an actuation component coupled to the stabilizing parachute, configured to deploy the stabilizing parachute from the expandable container component upon actuation. Upon deployment, the stabilizing parachute is configured to apply tension to the strap that is transferred to the expandable container component. Upon receiving tension from the strap, the expandable container component is configured to expand into a rigid support component configured to surround the strap.

A stabilizing parachute system with entanglement prevention capabilities for safely deploying a load from a high-altitude craft. The system includes an expandable container component coupled to the load, a strap coupled to the expandable container component, and a stabilizing parachute disposed within the expandable container component and coupled to the strap. The system further includes an actuation component coupled to the stabilizing parachute, configured to deploy the stabilizing parachute from the expandable container component upon actuation. Upon deployment, the stabilizing parachute is configured to apply tension to the strap that is transferred to the expandable container component. Upon receiving tension from the strap, the expandable container component is configured to expand into a rigid support component configured to surround the strap.