2006
Irvin awarded development of parachute program for NASA Orion spacecraft replacing the space shuttle in 2010.
2005
Space X — Irvin develops the parachute recovery system for first stage recovery of Falcon I commercial launch vehicle for low cost transport of satellites to low earth orbit.
2003
NASA Pad Abort Demonstrator program flies 4,156 ft diameter Ringsail cluster — recovery system test, demonstrating technology for a future manned spacecraft crew.
1999
F-22 development aircraft successfully conducts flight tests with Irvin’s self-monitoring, pilot-actuated Spin/Stall Parachute Recovery System.
1998
World-record largest parachute cluster flight for the Kistler K-1 development using six 156 ft ringsail parachutes.
1996
Irvin designs and tests a cluster of 3 Ringsail parachutes to recover the Boeing EELV concept’s 20,000 lb propulsion module demonstrating the technology to successfully return the first stage rocket engine to a water landing for subsequent recovery, refurbishment and re-use.
1991
Space Shuttle Endeavor successfully lands using an Irvin brake-parachute.
1978
Irvin flight termination & mid-air recovery system is used on the Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM).
1976
Irvin develops and qualifies parachute system for the NASA Pioneer Venus program.
1976
Goodyear, in collaboration with Irvin, uses a parachute decelerator system to safely land the Viking spacecraft on Mars.