parafoil

I recall reading that the decision to go with the parafoil was motivated by a desire to increase the number of potential landing locations.

Ares 1 Abort Study Update - NASA Watch 2009

These days we're dropping beans to troops on steerable parafoil style parachues.

The 1990 Augustine Commission Revisited - NASA Watch 2009

I personally was responsible for arming the pyrotechnics that deployed the parafoil and witnessed every landing of all three atmospheric vehicles.

Abbey Lane: They're Back - NASA Watch 2009

Weight may have also pointed to the decision to go with the parafoil, would a full-scale CRV have had an excessive (for lifting bodies) landing speed?

Ares 1 Abort Study Update - NASA Watch 2009

The control surfaces on it were needed where the X-38 (the one you showed was the first atmospheric one, the aft shape changed with V-131R) had the parafoil for additional steering.

Abbey Lane: They're Back - NASA Watch 2009

Then he could pull the rip cord high enough that he should be able to pilot the nimble parafoil chute to his destination.

Gideon’s war Howard Gordon 2011

Then he could pull the rip cord high enough that he should be able to pilot the nimble parafoil chute to his destination.

Gideon’s war Howard Gordon 2011

Then he could pull the rip cord high enough that he should be able to pilot the nimble parafoil chute to his destination.

Gideon’s war Howard Gordon 2011

Then he could pull the rip cord high enough that he should be able to pilot the nimble parafoil chute to his destination.

Gideon’s war Howard Gordon 2011

As for lifting bodies, once someone understands that runway landings are stupid at this kind of velocity and go for parafoil/chute landing, a la Klipper, then there will be hope.

Ares 1 Abort Study Update - NASA Watch 2009