Parachute deployment system

A method comprising:

• receiving an indication that a balloon should deploy a parachute, wherein the balloon comprises a parachute deployment system, and wherein the parachute deployment system comprises:
• (a) a deployment spring arranged on the launch platform, (b) a parachute that is initially folded and arranged on an opposite side of the deployment spring from the launch platform, (c) a bridle line having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the bridle line is attached to the parachute, (d) a lanyard line having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the lanyard line is attached to the deployment spring, and wherein the second end of the lanyard line is attached to the launch platform, and (e) a trigger system;
• and
• responsive to the received indication, deploying the parachute by operating the trigger system such that the deployment spring launches the parachute and the bridle line substantially perpendicular to the launch platform, and such that after deployment the deployment spring and the lanyard line are configured to hang from the launch platform.

A balloon comprising:

• a payload;
• an envelope;
• and
• a parachute deployment system, wherein the parachute deployment system comprises:
• a deployment spring arranged on a launch platform;
• a parachute that is foldable and positionable on an opposite side of the deployment spring from the launch platform;
• a bridle line having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the bridle line is attached to the parachute;
• a lanyard line having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the lanyard line is attached to the deployment spring, and wherein the second end of the lanyard line is attached to the launch platform;
• and
• a trigger system configured to initiate deployment of the parachute, wherein upon deployment the deployment spring is configured to launch the parachute and the bridle line substantially perpendicular to the launch platform, and wherein after deployment the deployment spring and the lanyard line are configured to hang from the launch platform.