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).