NASA Psyche Unpredictable Terrain Landing System

Overview

A look into the different aspects of the project used to protect the scientific payload during its deployment to Psyche 16

Objectives

• Ensure the package does not experience more than 11 g’s of acceleration on landing
• Deliver the package within 30 degrees of vertical to ensure proper deployment
• Make sure that the lander is not too heavy to fly in a commercial spacecraft
• Fit the lander within the geometric envelope of the launch vehicle

Approach

• Use friction to extend the duration of the planetfall impact to lower the acceleration of the payload
• Attach the payload to a gimbal to ensure proper orientation after landing
• Use springs to isolate the payload from shock

Outcomes

• The theoretical lander is capable of protecting the payload during planetfall
• The theoretical lander is capable of orienting the payload within deployment window, even if the lander itself is outside the window
• The lander is under the projected weight threshold
• The lander fits within the desired size envelope