News tagged with parachute

A parachute is a device used to slow the motion of an object through an atmosphere by creating drag. Parachutes are made out of cloth, most commonly nylon. Parachutes are often used to slow the descent of an object falling through an atmosphere. Drogue parachutes are also used to aid horizontal deceleration of a vehicle (a fixed-wing aircraft, or a drag racer), or to provide stability (tandem free-fall, or space shuttle after touchdown). The word "parachute" comes from a French word with a Ancient Greek prefix: "para", meaning "against" or "counter" in Ancient Greek, and "chute", the French word for "fall". Many modern parachutes are classified as semi-rigid wings, which are quite maneuverable, and can facilitate a controlled descent.

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