Which factor is crucial for successful dual-deployment systems in rockets?

The successful operation of dual-deployment systems in rocketry heavily depends on the proper arrangement to avoid tangling. In a dual-deployment system, typically, a smaller drogue parachute is deployed at a predetermined altitude to slow the descent of the rocket and stabilize it, followed by the deployment of a larger main parachute at a lower altitude for a safe landing.

If the components of the recovery system, such as the drogue and main parachutes, are not arranged properly, they can become tangled during deployment. This tangling can lead to a failure in the descent system, causing either the drogue to malfunction or the main parachute to deploy incorrectly or not at all. Therefore, ensuring that the recovery lines are organized and free from tangling is critical for the successful deployment of both parachutes.

In contrast, while the deployment speed of the main parachute, the altitude at which the drogue is deployed, and the total weight of the recovery system are also important factors, none have the same direct and immediate impact on preventing tangles as the physical arrangement of the recovery components themselves. Hence, focusing on how the system is set up is vital for overall reliability and safety.