What is a "dual deployment" recovery system?

A dual deployment recovery system refers to a method where two parachutes are used, with one deployed at a specific altitude and the second deployed at a lower altitude. This system is designed to optimize the recovery of the rocket by providing a staged descent that slows it down significantly at two points during its descent.

Initially, the main parachute does not deploy immediately after apogee; instead, a smaller drogue parachute is released first. The drogue serves to stabilize the descent, allowing the rocket to fall safely for a brief period before the main parachute is deployed at a lower altitude. This approach helps to minimize the chances of damage upon landing by reducing the speed during the later part of the descent, as the main parachute significantly slows down the rocket just before touch down.

This technique is particularly advantageous in high-power rocketry, where the added speed and weight make safe recovery more challenging. By effectively controlling the descent with dual deployment, the recovery system increases the likelihood of the rocket landing safely and being reusable for future launches.