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The next big issue is deploying the chute in time to prevent the rocket from crashing. Having flown rockets, this can be a challenging problem for low altitude flights.
the flights you have filmed thus far indicate that the center of pressure is located near the center of gravity of your rockets, meaning weight is relatively evenly distributed along the rocket body. This is why your rockets are not following a ballistic trajectory once they run out of "juice."
Since they fall pretty much horizontally, just releasing the capsule will cause it to fall away quickly once the rocket starts falling. I would suggest you keep the capsule attached to the rocket body and have the parachute loosely packed under the capsule so that it unfurls quickly.
An excellent material to use is the plastic dry cleaners use to cover clothing items for pickup. It's very light. In addition, nylon string is very light, too, and readily available at any fabric store, Michaels, Hobby Lobby or Walmart. Hopefully you have one of those near you in AK.
BTW, enjoy the auroral displays that are going to be occurring. There's been a coronal mass ejection from the sun that should be hitting in the coming days.
Looking forward to a successful launch!
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Maj Charles Davenport, USAF (Ret)
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