How to Attach a Parachute to a Near-Space Balloon

Attach twill tape to the vertical seams of the parachute, reinforcing the parachute and forming loops at the top and bottom of each seam. The ideal parachute has eight separate panels, or gores, totaling eight seams. Sew a piece of twill tape at the seam of each of the eight sections of the parachute. Position the loop above the spill hole at the top of the parachute, making a symmetrical connection.

Tie a 12-inch section of Dacron cord into a figure-eight knot, securing it to the twill tape loops at the top of the parachute. Tie the other end of the cord to a 200-lb. bearing swivel. Tie this swivel to the balloon; the swivel allows the parachute and payload to rotate freely.

Locate the bottom of each seam on your parachute. Identify the loop designated for the shroud lines at the bottom of each seam. Shroud lines spread the load of the parachute equally and connect at a single point below the parachute.

Cut four shroud lines from the 150-lb. Dacron, each four times the length of the parachute's diameter. Tie the center of each of the four shroud lines to the connection ring on a 200-lb. bearing swivel. Notice that the connect shroud lines now forms eight lines of identical length which you will connect to the parachute.

Tie both ends of each of the four shroud lines to adjacent twill loops at the bottom of the parachute. Measure the lines and ensure that they are of equal length and meet at a center point --- the bearing swivel. The bearing swivel allows the payload to rotate in flight independently from the parachute and balloon.

Tie the payloads to the swivel, allowing them to hang freely below the parachute. Measure the shroud lines and ensure that they are all the same length. Reinforce all knots by wrapping them with electrical tape or by wrapping them with heat shrink tube.