Two-Dimensional Planetary Surface Landers

We propose to develop a new landing approach that significantly reduces development time and obviates the most complicated, most expensive and highest-risk phase of any landing mission. The concept is a blanket- or carpet-like two-dimensional (2D) lander with a low mass/drag ratio, which allows the lander to efficiently shed its approach velocity and provide a more robust structure for landing integrity. The flat nature and low mass of these landers allows dozens to be stacked for transport and distributed en masse to the surface. The concept leverages recent developments in microelectronics and MEMS technology, such as the lab-on-a-chip, integrated RF comm, and laser probes. A stack of individual flexible sheets, each equipped with a variety of planet/body probing sensors, power generators, associated avionics, and telecommunications capability comprise two-dimensional (2D) spacecraft landers.

We proposed to develop a new landing approach that significantly reduces development time and obviates the most complicated, most expensive, and highest-risk phase of a landing mission. The concept allows the lander to efficiently shed its approach velocity and provide a more robust structure for landing integrity. The mass and size of these highly capable technologies further reduces the required stiffness and mass of the lander structures to the point that compliant, lightweight, robust landers capable of passive landings are possible. This capability avoids the costly, complex use of rockets, radar, and associated structure and control systems. This approach is expected to provide an unprecedented science payload mass to spacecraft mass ratio of approximately 80% (estimated based on current knowledge). This compared to ~1% for Pathfinder, ~17% for MER, and 22% for MSL rovers.

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