Deployable Rigid Adjustable Guided Final Landing Approach Pinions (DRAG FLAPs) (DRAG FLAPs)

Future planetary missions will put an emphasis on precision entry, descent, and landing (EDL) technologies. Masten Space Systems’ DRAG FLAPs are designed to augment the aerodynamic characteristics of a vehicle during the descent phase. Employing such devices provides aerodynamic stabilization and control while improving the landing. It also expands the descent timeframe researchers have to accomplish critical events and increases the weight of the payload that can be flown to the same altitude. Drop tests in FY2017 aimed to collect flight data for multiple flap positions at a given velocity and acceleration, in addition to demonstrating flap deployment, actuation, and active steering and guidance. Researchers planned to use the data collected to tune the DRAG FLAPs control algorithm parameters, which will improve flight stability and control. The successful demonstration included an as-planned payload release and descent, with the majority of collected data recoverable. Results from the recovered data analysis will inform the next steps in the development process. The ultimate goal is to make the technology available for future Masten flights and potentially other NASA missions.