Which component is responsible for maintaining the shape of the canopy during free fall?

The component that is responsible for maintaining the shape of the canopy during free fall is the canopy itself. The canopy is designed with specific materials and construction techniques that allow it to inflate properly and maintain structure as it fills with air during descent. The design includes a series of cells that open when the parachute deploys, allowing air to flow in and create the necessary lift and stability for safe landing.

While the pack serves to store and protect the canopy when it is not deployed, and the harness connects the parachutist to the canopy, neither of these components maintains the shape of the canopy during free fall. The ripcord is the mechanism used to deploy the parachute but does not play a role in the canopy's structure after deployment. Thus, the canopy itself is critical in ensuring that it opens correctly and maintains its intended shape throughout the free fall and landing phases.