Mode K parachutes descended more straight and uniformly, while those in Mode C wavered more. Even in low “load-to-area” ratios—when the dropped object is light in relation to parachute size—the new ...

These parachutes may be full of holes, but they really hit the mark. Inspired by the Japanese art of kirigami, or paper cutting, scientists made parachutes that open automatically when dropped. And ...

Parachutes rarely get the credit they deserve. They transform deadly freefall into a gentle descent, saving lives in war zones, rescue missions, and even humanitarian aid drops. But they come with a ...