Suborbital Drop Test to Demonstrate Autonomous Payload Recovery from Low Earth Orbit

SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc (SpaceWorks) has been developing a line of reentry systems to provide an on-demand, small payload return from space as a commercial service. The latest design evolution of this product line features the addition of a precision guided, gliding decelerator parafoil system. This new parafoil implementation offers multiple advantages compared to the current recovery system design (i.e., a standard, round parachute) and has the potential to significantly reduce operational complexity and costs for the intended commercial applications. Under NASA's SpaceTech-REDDI-2020 Flight Opportunities Program, a high-altitude, suborbital flight was successfully conducted to demonstrate autonomous parafoil deployment, navigation, and landing. This paper will discuss SpaceWorks' reentry system product line and the design aspects of the flight systems for suborbital testing.