Touchdown-Down Dynamics And Terrain Interaction Of Planetary Landing Systems

Abstract

At present time, the topic soft and precision landing with legged landing vehicles on planetary surfaces is on the exploration agenda of all major players in the space exploration community. Various missions to the Moon and Mars are currently under study in the international frame. The return to the legged landing principle is motivated by the efforts to dispatch again larger, heavier exploration assets to their planetary targets. The understanding of legged lander touchdown dynamics and vehicle terrain interaction is a key area for the design, development and testing as well as landing site safety assessment during the operation phase.