What is the major obstacle encountered in dual-deployment rockets using both a drogue and a main parachute?

In dual-deployment rocket systems, a drogue parachute is used for initial stabilization and to slow the rocket down significantly during descent. The main parachute is deployed at a lower altitude to reduce the descent rate to a safe level for landing. A key challenge in these systems is ensuring that both parachutes deploy correctly without entangling.

When the drogue and main parachute are not arranged or packed properly, the risk of tangling increases during the deployment sequence. This entanglement can lead to malfunction, preventing both parachutes from opening correctly or affecting their descent characteristics. Proper packing and deployment sequence are critical to mitigate this risk, making it a significant obstacle in using both types of parachutes effectively.

The focus on the potential for tangling highlights the importance of careful design and execution in dual-deployment systems to ensure they operate as intended during flight, enhancing safety and recovery effectiveness.