LANDER SHOCK-ALLEVIATION TECHNIQUES

Introduction The goal of the recently completed “Lander Shock Alleviation Techniques” TRP study was to identify, analyse, manufacture and test shock-alleviation devices capable of limiting impact loads to well-defined levels. It covered the overall landing subsystem as well as specially adapted support devices for sensitive equipment and payloads. Two types of landers were considered, namely hardor penetratorpresented below, together with details of the conceptual design, manufacture and testing of the various prototype devices that have been devised.