Controlled Descent Safety Systems and Methods

A velocity control device for controlling the velocity of a load on a flexible tension member. The device can include a chassis having a chassis peripheral surface, with a portion of the chassis peripheral surface defining an exit aperture. The device can also include a capstan, the capstan having a proximal face joined to the chassis and a distal face separated at a distance from the proximal face. A peripheral capstan surface can be tapered from a greatest diameter near the distal face to a smallest diameter near the proximal face. The device can include a throttle, the throttle being attached to the chassis. The throttle can an interior surface defining an opening through which the tension member can pass with the interior surface being in at least partial contact with the tension member. Heat produced by kinetic energy in the flexible tension member is transferred to the throttle, and the change in system internal energy produces work in the form of a drag force on the flexible tension member.