MASCOT - A Lightweight Multi-Purpose Lander Platform

Kurzfassung

The Mobile Asteroid Surface Scout (MASCOT) is a small box shaped ~ 9 kg lander, developed to support and enhance larger S/C's scientific possibilities. Its P/L compartment includes currently 3 experiments of in total 3 kg. Further a mobility mechanism is on board which allows hopping manoeuvres on the asteroid. The system consist of two structures, a lander unit and a mechanical I/F structure. Both are designed as framework structures made of solid CFRP and CFRP-foam sandwich respectively. By designing consequently under the use of the materials orthotropic properties and additional design features (e.g. insertless) a very lightweight and stiff structure has been realised. With respect to a fully aluminium design a save of 75% structural mass for the lander unit was achieved and the structure is ready to enter Phase C. Being part of JAXA's Hayabusa 2 mission the launch date will be in December 2014 heading to the C-class asteroid 1999JU3.