A Novel, Low-Cost Conformable Lander

The primary focus of this activity will be to outline a preliminary mechanical design for this conforming lander. Salient issues to be worked include (1) determining how to minimize rebound at landing incorporating hinges that use of torsion springs and a pawl ratchet system to attenuate the impact energy, (2) addressing terrain contours that would not necessarily exercise the hinge attenuator by utilizing low strength crushables or energy absorbing devices attached to the backs of each lander segment and (3) minimizing total lander mass through optimal integration of considerations (1) and (2).

Low cost lander missions will benefit from this research.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.