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Calcimator

Recovery System Calculator

Size your rocket parachute for a safe descent rate. Calculates canopy diameter, area, landing energy, and drift distance using aerodynamic drag equations.

Inputs

Results

Parachute diameter (cm)

52.1

Parachute diameter (in)20.5
Canopy area (m²)0.21
Landing kinetic energy (J)6.25
Descent time (s)0
Wind drift estimate (m)0
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter Rocket mass (kg), Target descent rate (m/s), and Launch site altitude (m MSL).
  2. Set Parachute type (1-3).
  3. Review the Parachute diameter (cm) result.
  4. Use Parachute diameter (in) and Canopy area (m²) to inform your decision.

How the result changes with Target descent rate (m/s)

Target descent rate (m/s)Parachute diameter (cm)
3.4575.6
1123.7
2013
279.7

What each input means

Rocket mass (kg)
Total mass of the rocket at recovery (after motor burnout, propellant expended).
Target descent rate (m/s)
Desired descent speed. 3-5 m/s is typical for safe recovery; 5-8 m/s for drogue chutes.
Launch site altitude (m MSL)
Elevation above sea level. Higher altitudes have thinner air, requiring larger chutes.
Parachute type (1-3)
1 = Hemispherical (Cd 1.5), 2 = Flat/cruciform (Cd 0.8), 3 = Streamer (Cd 0.4).

What each result means

Parachute diameter (cm)
Required canopy diameter for the target descent rate.
Parachute diameter (in)
Diameter in inches for US-sourced chutes.
Canopy area (m²)
Projected canopy area.
Landing kinetic energy (J)
Impact energy at landing. Keep below 75 J to avoid damage.
Descent time (s)
Estimated time from apogee to ground.
Wind drift estimate (m)
Approximate downwind drift assuming 5 m/s average wind.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Rocket mass (kg) = 0.5, Target descent rate (m/s) = 5, Launch site altitude (m MSL) = 0, Parachute type (1-3) = 1 = 4 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Parachute diameter
    Parachute diameter = diameterM * 100
    52.1 = 52.1
  3. Calculate Parachute diameter
    Parachute diameter = diameterM * 39.3701
    20.5 = 20.5
  4. Calculate Canopy area
    Canopy area = π * (diameterM / 2) ^ 2
    0.213 = 0.213

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