The capsule was shaking violently. I could barely see straight. About that time, the master alarm went off. A warning light, simply labeled 'Parachute Pyro' lit up, followed by a overheat warning. I silently cursed my luck and cleared the master alarm, and waited to either burn up, or regain signal any moment. About a minute later, I heard a pop, and air whooshing. The external air vent had opened, which meant I was through the worst. Or so I thought.

"Houston, this is Explorer,...